Everyday in late afternoon, vendors travel fromseveral parts of Vientiane Capital. They carry parts of makeshift stalls incarts or pickup trucks and set them up on the pavement of Chao Anouvong Park,which sits right on the Mekong riverbank in Chanthaboury district, VientianeCapital.
Several years ago, the several hectare area alongthe mighty Mekong riverbank was only used for farming purposes in the dryseason when the tide in the Mekong ran low. The area housed a few small family-run stallsand was also used as a viewing area for the annual boat racing festival of Vientiane residents.
Today the area is far different from it was severalyears ago. The area, which used to be lower, or just a few metres above the dryseason surface of the Mekong, has been reclaimed with a huge amount of soil anda beautiful, modern, and organized area has been built atop.
ChaoAnouvong Parkwas built as part of a US multi-million dollar Mekong riverside developmentproject funded by the Republicof Korea’s government.The integrated project was designed to change the area stretching over 20 kmalong the Mekong Riverinto a beautiful landscape for Vientianeresidents.
Since the park was open to the public in 2010, it hasbecome a hotspot for many people and the market at the park has attracted quitea number of half-day vendors who smell good chances to make money.
The Chao Anouvong night market is open every dayuntil midnight and houses a number of stalls featuring a variety of souvenirs,clothes, food, beverages, and desserts. Since it is located in a commercialarea crowded with hotels, guesthouses and services, many foreign visitors tendto take a short break and walk around in the market. Souvenirs representing theculture and traditions of Lao people usually attract their attention.
When the weather becomes cooler, working people alsoenjoy jogging, walking and doing exercise or aerobic dance in the park. Couplessitting on the pavement watching the Mekong canusually be seen.
Up to the north stands the statue of King Anouvongwho the park is named after. The statue is around 8 metres high and featuresKing Anouvong overlooking the Mekong holding asword in his left hand while gesturing with his right.
Chao Anouvong was the last king of Vientiane Kingdomand is highly respected by the Lao people.
The statue was installed in 2010 to coincide withthe celebration of the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the national capital city andcommemorate the King’s noble contribution to the country. Although he lost thewar to free his country from the Siamese rulers, his persistent attempts todefeat Siamese forces in the early 19th century make him rememberedas a courageous King who fought for his country until his death.-VNA/KPL
