According to the legend of Phra Lak Phra Lam, Prince Thattaradtha founded Vientiane following his denial of the throne in favour of his younger brother in the Lao kingdom of Muong Inthapatha Maha Nakhone. The legend holds that a seven-headed beast appeared before the Prince and told him to build a new city on the eastern shore of the Mekong River. This city is believed to have been built on the site that is now home to Vientiane. The city still bears the remnants of the French colonisation that occurred during the 20th century with the result being examples of classic French architecture sitting amid traditional Buddhist temples and typically Lao buildings. French influence can be seen in other aspects of the city’s culture such as the eating of pate and baguettes for breakfast and various drinking establishments where French wine can be readily appreciated. Tourism plays a relatively important part in the city’s workings but is by no means essential and there are few signs of the locals abandoning their traditional way of life to exploit the income potential offered by the tourist pocket. Indeed you won’t find glitzy attractions or entertainments geared towards visitors in Vientiane, rather visitors are expected to take the city as they find it and draw their own entertainment from its already established cultural centres. Various temples or wats as they are known locally, constitute a significant part of the city’s attractions with Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, Wat Si Muang, Wat Si Saket and Wat Sok Pa Luang among the best known in terms of traditional design. For something a little more ornate, the 16th century Pha That Luang with its gold exterior is also worthy of note. The Lao National Museum and the Talat Sao Morning Market are also popular visitor sites. | 
