Vientiane, Central Laos, Laos
Vientiane Tuk Tuk Tour
Discover Vientiane’s spiritual traditions on a tuk-tuk tour. Learn to craft traditional temple offerings and visit the revered Wat Simaung with a local guide.
Begin with a visit to a Mak Beng shop. A traditional temple offering, ‘mak beng’ is the name given to a colourful creation that combines banana leaves and marigold flowers. You’ll have an opportunity to learn how to make one of these offerings, as well as ‘pasaat peung’, which is made with palm leaves and yellow wax, before then visiting Wat Simaung. Built in the 16th century, this temple is one of the city’s most popular places of worship, offering a fascinating insight into Vientiane’s rich traditions of ancient animistic ritual and Theravada Buddhism. Your guide will explain the temple’s history and its importance to the local people before you can to present your own handmade offerings.
What you’ll do
- Explore Vientiane by tuk-tuk with a knowledgeable local guide
- Learn to create traditional offerings: mak beng (banana leaves and marigolds) and pasaat peung (palm leaves and wax)
- Visit Wat Simaung, a 16th-century temple blending animistic rituals with Theravada Buddhism
- Gain cultural insights into local spiritual practices
- Present your handmade offerings at the temple for an authentic experience
