Much like the Bua Savan (previous post), the Vieng Samay Theater was once a modern movie mecca in the heart of downtown Vientiane. It too used to screen Thai films that were distributed by Grandma Yamjid, owner of the Thepbanterng Theater in Nong Khai, Thailand (see two posts prior). Tragically, for the last 10-plus years, the Vieng Samay has been nothing more than a facade.
The auditorium of the Vieng Samay has been demolished, leaving only a weedy lot in its wake. But for whatever reason the facade of the theater was spared. From a preservationist standpoint, this is a partial victory. If there is no chance of rehabilitating the theater to its original condition, and the costs of maintaining the majority of the structure even if it's used for other purposes are not feasible, then at the very least preserving the facade - it's most recognizable feature - is a good thing. With any luck the facade's value will be realized some day and it will be professionally restored. Personally, I think it's one of the more unique theater facades I've seen in this part of the world, if not anywhere.
The sign atop the Vieng Samay Theater has Lao, Chinese and Roman lettering.
Noodle vendors have taken over the space which used to be the lobby.
The old marquee hangs tattered above the entrance.The remains of the Vieng Samay Theater are literally around the corner from the Bua Savan and there is a hotel directly to the right of it which apparently also used to be a theater. That's at least 3 movie theaters in a relatively small area. Aside from those rudimentary bits of data, I wasn't able to learn much about the Vieng Samay Theater, but it was obviously once a luxurious place to watch a movie.
