That Dam: The Mysterious Black Stupa of Vientiane

That Dam Stupa, located in the middle of a roundabout near Talat Sao Market, is believed to be around 500 years old. The name That Dam means "Black Stupa" in Lao, a reference to its current appearance. It is not only black in color but also has grass growing on top.

The stupa, a Buddhist structure built in the 16th century, was once covered in pure gold. However, during the Siamese-Lao War in the 1820s, the gold was stolen and taken to Siam—modern-day Thailand—leaving behind the Black Stupa we see today.

In general, stupas are built to house Buddhist relics, such as the remains of monks or kings. What lies inside That Dam Stupa remains unknown, but according to legend, locals believe a seven-headed dragon still sleeps beneath it and will awaken whenever Vientiane is in danger. Many Lao people say it protected the city during the Siamese invasion of 1827 and other critical moments in history.

Today, although in a state of disrepair, the stupa’s historical and cultural significance remains strong. Many Lao people still consider it a powerful symbol of the city's spiritual protection.

The Preah Rumkel Dolphin Eco-Tourism Resort: No More Dolphins

 

The Preah Rumkel Dolphin Eco-Tourism Resort is a community-based initiative established in 2002 in Anlong Cheu Teal, Preah Romkel Commune, Borey O Svay District, Stung Treng Province. This eco-tourism resort offers services such as boat trips to view dolphins in the Mekong River and camping on sand dunes across various islands.

According to Mr. Phoy Vanna, a member of the Preah Rumkel Dolphin Eco-Tourism Community: Before 2021, there were only three dolphins remaining in the Preah Rumkel Dolphin Canyon. Sadly, they were killed by fishermen’s nets and changes in the water flow caused by hydroelectric dams in Laos.

Although the area is called Dolphin Canyon, there are currently no dolphins in the Preah Rumkel Dolphin Canyon. Even if there are no dolphins living there, tourists can still visit there by simply changing from boating to watching dolphins, to boating to see the flooded forests and large trees in the Mekong River, or camping on the islands there. 

Mr. Phoy Vanna emphasized: “The Preah Rumkel Dolphin Eco-Tourism Community must not die just because the dolphins are gone.”

A Brick Production Site by the Mekong River

This is a brick production site located on the banks of the Mekong River in Kampong Cham province. The building is made of reddish-brown bricks and features many tall chimneys rising from its roof. Under a gloomy sky filled with dark rain clouds, it appears somber and lonely.

Keywords: Bricks, Clay Bricks, Production Site, Brick Production, Production, Clay, Site, Building, Reddish-brown Bricks, Manufacturing, Factory, Brick production plant 

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Author: globalwalkers.blogspot.com

Taking in the Sunset Over the Mekong

This is a peaceful riverside scene at sunset in Kratie, Cambodia. A small boat full of people is traveling across the calm river in the evening. The sun is slowly setting in the sky, casting a bright orange light onto the water and creating a perfectly illuminated line. The golden light creates a soft, warm, and tranquil atmosphere that reflects the beauty of nature at the end of the day.

Keywords: Kratie's Riverside Photos, Cambodia's Riverside Treasure, Sunset at Kratie riverside, Kratié Cambodia, haven for sunset seekers, Take in Sunset Over the Mekong

Filename: Sunset Over the Mekong.jpg

Author: globalwalkers.blogspot.com

Prasat Hanchey - Kampong Cham, CAMBODIA

Southern Kuk Temple (ប្រាសាទគុកខាងត្បូង) of the Han Chey Temple Group.

According to inscriptions, the temple is called Phnom Chey Kiri. The temple was built of brick and sandstone in the Sambor Prei Kuk style during the 6th and 7th centuries.

In 2018, the conservation team repaired the inscriptions, pillars, carvings, and ornaments. They also cleared the weeds growing on the temple tower and cut down the trees growing near the temple.

Southern Kuk Temple is located on Phnom Han Chey, in Han Chey Village, Han Chey Commune, Kampong Siem District, Kampong Cham Province, about 20 km from the provincial capital.

Keywords: Han Chey Temple, Prasat Phnom Hanchey, Prasat Hanchey, Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham, 6th and 7th centuries, Phnom Chey Kiri, brick and sandstone 

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Author: globalwalkers.blogspot.com

Meridian View Center - Shenzhen

Standing atop the Diwang Mansion, the Meridian View Center offers an unforgettable 360-degree panoramic view of Shenzhen. From this vantage point, tourists can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the bustling city below, where cars and people come and go along the streets, capturing the vibrant rhythm of urban life.

Keywords: Meridian View Center, 360-degree panoramic, view of Shenzhen, bird’s-eye view, bustling city, cars and people, streets, urban life 

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Author: globalwalkers.blogspot.com

Discover the Sacred Beauty of Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park is located about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap and is a popular destination for both local and international tourists. Considered a sacred site, Phnom Kulen offers visitors beautiful views of mountains, waterfalls, Buddha statues, and the River of a Thousand Lingas. Tourists can also enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, picnicking, and swimming.

Keywords: Phnom Kulen, National Park, Siem Reap, sacred site, views of mountains, waterfalls, Buddha statues, Thousand Lingas, hiking, picnicking, and swimming

Filename: Phnom Kulen National Park.jpg

Author: globalwalkers.blogspot.com