Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Take a spin around Vientiane with new Street View panoramas

After last summer’s jaunt around Indonesia and Cambodia, we take a look at life along the Mekong River, this time through new Street View imagery of Vientiane, Laos’ capital (and largest) city.

Our Street View fleet has captured imagery throughout the city, but we wanted to get your virtual tour started with seven Street View panoramas of this diverse and vibrant Southeast Asian city:

1. Walk through Laos' "Gate of Triumph"

The Patuxai, also known as the Gate of Triumph, is a war monument dedicated to those who fought in Laos’ war for independence ending with it’s liberation in 1949. Pan around the Street View imagery to view the structure’s classic Laotian architecture, including the four gates that resemble a lotus flower.

2. Leave your watch behind and experience life on Mekong time

While many know Laos as the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, this view from the popular Quai Fa Ngum road gives you a sense of how scenic life is from Vientiane’s perch on the Mekong river. Use the new 360-degree imagery to check out some of the city’s contemporary housing.

3. While you’re at it, check out the riverside market and this nice lunch spot with a view

Quai Fa Ngum is also home to some picturesque outdoor dining. Take a stroll down the street on Street View for a fuller view of city life along the Mekong.

4. Hang out at the Presidential Palace

Also situated near the Mekong, the Presidential Palace is the official residence of the President of Laos and one of Vientiane’s most iconic photo spots.

5. Zoom around a golden “stupa” in the center of the city

Known as “the Great Stupa,” Pha That Luang’s golden structure is one of Laos’ most cherished national monuments. You can use the new 360-degree imagery to zoom in for a closer look and to glimpse the bustling streets that surround the temple.

6. Find a change of pace at an ancient roadside temple

Check out this new panoramic look at Wat Si Muang, a well-known Buddhist temple, for a closer look at some of the iconic religious sites that can be found across Vientiane.

7. A 360° picture is worth 360,000 words

Established less than a decade ago, the National University of Laos is the only national university in the country. Click through the imagery to get a sense of the campus' surroundings in Vientiane.

These are just a handful of Vientiane’s sights now available on Street View. We hope you enjoy looking through them and learning more about this city’s history and heritage.

Posted by Cynthia Wei, Street View Program Manager, Google Maps

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