Buddha Park in Vientiane, Laos

Buddha Park
in Vientiane, Laos

Buddha Park, Vientiane - View from the top

Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan in Vientiane, Laos is one of the most interesting sites to visit. The park was built in 1958 and features sculptures of Buddha, characters of Hindu Lore, Gods, Animals and even Demons. It is also located along the shores of the great Mekong River. Foreigners and even locals would visit this amazing beautiful place.

Fortunately for me, we rented a motorcycle to make our exciting trip there. It was one of our best adventures while traveling in Laos. Riding over 25 kilometers and getting lost along the way was really adventurous for the two of us. We even met some other foreigners who also were on renter bikes and were equally lost as we were so we ended up going in a small convoy at the last few kilometers. Laos overall is a beautiful place which is safe and the people are friendly and helpful.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Beautiful Statues

On reaching Buddha Park after about 30 mintues of motorbike riding and asking for directions, there is a bike parking just outside the park. You pay 2,000 KIP to enter the park and once inside, you will be amazed with the statues and sculptures in the park. I spent a good 3 hours just relaxing and enjoying the moment with my partner Lilian.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Strange Pumpkin

One of the first things you will see in the park is this huge pumpkin structure which is about 3 stories high and you can climb inside it to get to the top. The 3 stories apparently resemble the 3 levels in life, Heaven, Hell and Earth.

To enter this giant pumpkin, one would have to go through the mouth of the structure as in the picture above. Inside, you walk around the pumpkin to find a stone ladder leading to the next level until the top.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Inside the pumpkin

There is nothing inside except concrete and it just goes around till the top where there is a small opening for you to climb out to the top of this round pumpkin structure.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Pumpkin antenna

Once on top of the statue, you will be amazed at the beautiful view of the entire park. A great photograph moment here of the Buddha Park. Looking up, there is a strange Antenna which resembles some Buddha motif. I could be wrong here.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - View of the park

I easily spent a good 15 minutes up on the giant pumpkin overlooking the entire Buddha Park and seeing all the strange but beautiful statues and sculptures. Then I ask my self, how can someone build such a beautiful park with all of this here.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - A fish like sculpture

After a good top view of the Buddha Park, we start to explore the statues on close up. Walking around you see all sorts of strange statues. They may look old but remember, the park was only build in 1958.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - An interesting statue with lovely motifs

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Reclining Buddha statue

At the Buddha Park, you will also come across a huge 40 meter reclining or sleeping Buddha statue. This is the main attraction at the park. It is so huge, I had to step way back just to take a picture of it. They have an alter there for those who wish to pray.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Me posing with the reclining statue

Buddha Park, Vientiane - 3 headed Elephant God

More statues of various animals and gods scattered around the park as we walk, we reach the end of the park towards the Mekong River. There is a canteen or local cafe there serving tourist some local food and drink. We see many foreigners having some cold Lao Beer admiring the beauty of the Mekong River and its surroundings.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Me with some local paintings. Beautiful work.

Eventually we head out as it is a long bike ride back to town. On the way out, there is also a souvenir shop which sells books and some beautiful local paintings. You may want to buy some as they are really nice. There is a toilet available as well. Just in case for the long journey back.

Buddha Park, Vientiane - Banana Fritters and Balls on Stick

There was also a lady selling banana fritters (goreng pisang in Malay) and we tried some. Taste similar to what we can get in Malaysia if you ask me. She also sold some meat and fish balls on a stick which were quite nice.

View of the Mekong River while riding back

The motorcycle ride to the Buddha Park is a bumpy one and some of the roads there are not tarred and there may be a lot of dust. So if you choose to ride a bike there, make sure you have a scarf to cover your face. Helmets are a must in Laos or the police will stop you. Always carry your rental papers with you too.

The Buddha Park is open daily from 8am to 6pm.

Entrance Fees is 2,000 KIP

Getting to Buddha Park from Vientiane:

1. Rent a motorbike like I did. It cost about US$7.00 per day.
2. Take bus #14 in front of the Morning Market at Vientiane.
3. Take a Tuk Tuk or Taxi. Be prepared to pay for this one.

If you are visiting Laos, you should make it a point to visit the Buddha Park. I trust you will not regret seeing this place. Happy travels.

~ jrhogan