Laos is a country in Southeast Asia. Crossed by the Mekong River, it is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill-tribal settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. In Vientiane, the capital, is the That Luang monument, where a reliquary is presumed to house the sternum of the Buddha. There is also the Patuxai war memorial and the Talat Sao (Morning Market) complex, full of food, clothing and craft stalls.