Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), A Surreal Odyssey of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures

Buddha Park or Suan Phut

They are sculptures of Buddha icons with different images

4.1

Introduction

Buddha Park is located about 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane, also known as Xieng Khuan Temple. Although it is named a temple, it is more like a sculpture park with a variety of unique and diverse statues representing both Theravada Buddhism and Hinduism. The park was established in 1958, and the statues are said to have been built by an imaginative monk who had a deep understanding of Buddhist and Hindu culture, which was considered somewhat eccentric at the time. However, he had exceptional sculpting skills and created many distinct statues in the park, eventually constructing Xieng Khuan Temple. The most famous feature of Xieng Khuan Temple is a giant reclining Buddha statue and a three-story sculpture made of "Big Pumpkin". Additionally, the park faces Thailand's Wat Xieng Khuan across the river, known as "Heaven and Hell". On the way to Xieng Khuan Temple, you will also pass the Friendship Bridge, where you can see Thailand, making it a great option to visit Thailand by crossing the river.

Address

Buddha Park or Suan Phut

Opening hours

8:00-18:00

Transportation

Take Bus No.14 from the bus station near Wancheng Automobile Station (not the airport shuttle bus station) for a one-way fee of 8000kip (as of September 2018), which takes about an hour to arrive at the entrance of Buddha Park. Make sure to inform the driver before boarding and they will remind you when to get off. The bus is air-conditioned, so it's recommended to bring a jacket for those who are easily affected by the cold.