The capital and largest city of Laos; Also called: Laotian capital, capital of Laos.
(Lao Vieng Chan) Capital and chief port of Laos on the Mekong River; Noted for its pagodas, canals, and houses on stilts, it is a trading center for forest products and textiles. The Temple of the Heavy Buddha, the Pratuxai triumphal arch, and the Black Stupa are here. The Great Sacred Stupa to the NE of the city is the most important national monument in Laos.