Here is another way to point out between the contrast. From the distance is the new building Don Chanh Hotel, then the closest to our view is the old Thad (Thad in lao der).
the contrast is not between modern architecture and old
the constrast is between poor architecture (or no-architecture) : Don Chanh Hotel , and rich architecture: old temples
Modern architecture can be beautiful... and it's not bad to have some beautifull modern buildings in a capital city (especialy if this architecture respect the older buildings and aeras of the city)
But modern architecture can also be ugly, and destroy a beautifull place if it's made by unskilled people...
it's the same for old architecture : poor old buildings have been destroyed for a long time... beautifull old buildings are still there, give a "spirit" to their city and people take care them because they like them.
