Photo: Bird, turtle, armadillo or rock? Visit Vat Dan in Borikhamxay province and decide for yourself.
Visiting Vat Dan in Borikhamxay province, you may be amazed to see rock formations that look like something from Charles Darwin's Galapagos sketchpad.
The most striking of the countless rocky outcrops that surround the temple appear to be turtles and their shells.
The rock formations are surrounded by beautiful scenery and landscapes and are a good place to take family and friends to spend a quiet time.
Apart from their aesthetic beauty, the coarse volcanic outcrops provide firm stepping stones in the rainy season, giving visitors a secure footing as they take in the breathtaking views.
To get there from Vientiane, spend about two hours travelling by car on Road 13 south before turning left to Borikhan district. About 20 minutes later you will arrive at this local beauty spot.
The temple is a popular tourist attraction because it is built on and surrounded by these unusual rock formations.
In 1947, a monk from the central provinces passed through this village. He found the area peaceful, so he and the villagers decided to build a small cottage where they could practise meditation.
The surrounding rocks were formed naturally. Most of them resemble turtle shells, which arouse visitors'curiosity and make them want to know more about the area.
Some people see the rocks as looking like women lying down. I guess it depends on individual interpretation. Either way, everywhere you walk you can either see or step on these remarkable rocks.
Needless to say, many stories abound relating not only to the rocks, but the temple itself.
Elderly people will tell you that in generations past, a rich man who was sick passed through the area looking for treatment. But he succumbed to his illness and died. All of the money he had with him that he had intended to pay a healer was used to build the temple.
That may be the villagers' point of view, but if you have a chance to visit and experience the place for yourself, you might disagree.
What we do know is that the ideal location of the temple and the surrounding countryside provides a home for wildlife, which resides along small streams.
A makeshift seat on the high slope is wonderful viewpoint, a place to take a deep breath and look at the hills that pop up in the distance.
The area has become a natural and cultural tourist attraction, especially during Buddhist Lent, when monks meditate in the nearby forest.
A visit to this miraculous area is recommended sometime during Lent this summer.
