Ho Phra Keo Temple

By mentioning Vientiane, everyone will think directly of Pha That Luang. However, Wat Phra Kaeo is no less important and is famous among the temples system in Laos for its psychic and artistic values. That's why Wat Phra Kaeo is still in the tourist program in Vientiane.

Founded in 1565 under the reign of King Setthathirat, it is also known as "The Temple of the Emerald Buddha". This place was keeping a very big and precious Emerald Buddha statue, but in 1779, it had been brought to the temple, bearing the same name in Thailand. Finally, shortly afterwards, the King of Thailand made another identical statue to send back to Wat Phra Kaeo temple, in Vientiane.

This temple was destroyed twice by Siam troops, then restored in 1816 by King Anouvong and between 1936 and 1942 by the French during the colonial period of French Indochina. The Royal Family often went there to pray, but is today no longer used as a worship place, it is now a museum.

Located about 26 km from the capital Vientiane, on the corner of Thanon Setthathilath and Thanon Mahosot, near the Si Saket temple, Wat Phra Kaeo is a monument with original architecture. It represents the traditional culture of the Laotians,and what makes this temple more special is that there is no monk living here.

From the outside, Wat Phra Kaeo is large with a three-tiered roof and columns painted gold, it í also meticulously carved. Flanking the steps at the entrance is two stone guardian dragons, and it has a nice landscaped garden.

It contains a collection of Buddha’s in bronze, terracotta, stone and religious objects according to the Laotian style. The statutes express different shades and positions (standing, sitting, lying down) whose inner soul you can feel. Some important parts, for example the head, the breast, and the belly are gilded. The Laotians regard these statues as their tutelary deities who bring them happiness. The large windows are decorated by the Apsaras (celestial nymphs).

In addition, Wat Phra Kaeo exhibits other precious objects, for example: a throne, a Khmer Buddha, some carved wooden works or ancient writing engraved in the rock concerning Buddhism.

Wat Phra Kaeo opens every day from 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm with the entry price of 10000 kips (LAK). You can go there by car or tuk tuk from the capital Vientiane.