Buddha Park
Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan, which means Spirit City, is a sculpture park located in a meadow beside the Mekong River and around 25 kilometres from Vientiane. Although it is not officially a temple (Wat), it is also referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan because of its over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues.
Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism started the park in 1958. The ornate structures are made from reinforced concrete, cast by supposedly unskilled workers under Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat’s supervision. Sculptures that can be found in the park include humans, gods, angels, demons, Buddha, a number of Buddhist characters such as the Avalokiteśvara, along with characters from Hindu lore such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Arjuna. The park’s tallest structures can be seen even from the Thailand side of the Mekong River.
Location
The Buddha Park lies approximately 25 kilometres southeast of Vientiane, on the main road of Thanon Thadeua, around 6 kilometres from the same direction of the Friendship Bridge.
Opening Days and Hours
The Buddha Park is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00
Entry Fee and Bookings
Buddha Park tickets cost around LAK 5,000 (0.60 USD), with an additional LAK 3,000 (0.36 USD) if you want to take photos.
How to Get There
You can get to Buddha Park via the city bus (for around LAK 6,000 or USD 0.72), tuk tuk (for around LAK 100,000 or USD 12.02), or rented bike (can be rented in Vientiane for around LAK 60,000 or USD 7.21). Parking rate costs LAK 3,000 ( USD 0.36).
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families with older kids
Time to Spend
Exploring the park takes an average 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Buddha Park is during the early morning when the crowds are still sparse and you can take better photos. It is best to leave before the day ends because the roads are not well lit, the roads are full of potholes, and huge trucks will already be zooming by the main roads.
Food
- Food carts near Buddha Park
- Local eatery and café beside Mekong River
Nearby Attractions
- Nam Ngum Lake
- Wat Sisaket
- Wat Phra Keo
- Presidential Palace
- Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre
Stay
Accommodations near the Buddha Park include a number of hostels such as the Sailomyen Hostel, and hotel such as the Xaysomboun Boutique Hotel and Green Park Boutique Hotel. Prices range from USD 8 to USD 109 per night.
Good to Know
Travellers’ top tip for visiting Buddha Park is to be brave and step inside the demon’s head in the park’s centre wherein you will find three floors: each representing hell, earth, and heaven, plus a great view from the top.
