Things to Do in Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), ປະເທດລາວ - Complete Travel Guide
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is a fascinating sculpture park located about 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane, Laos, along the Mekong River. Created in 1958 by Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied under both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, this unique attraction features over 200 concrete statues depicting figures from both religions. The park's most iconic structure is a large reclining Buddha statue and a three-story spherical building representing hell, earth, and heaven.
Despite its name, Buddha Park is not actually a temple but rather an artistic interpretation of religious and mythological themes. The sculptures, though only about 60 years old, have a weathered, ancient appearance that adds to their mystique. Visitors can explore the various statues, climb through the spherical structure for panoramic views, and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting. The park serves as both a spiritual site and an Instagram-worthy destination, attracting tourists interested in Southeast Asian culture, art, and religion.
Top Things to Do in Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Getting There
Buddha Park is accessible from Vientiane by various means of transportation. The most common option is taking local bus #14 from Vientiane's central bus station, which costs around 6,000-8,000 LAK (less than $1 USD) and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk for the day (negotiate for around 150,000-200,000 LAK), rent a motorbike or bicycle for a scenic ride along the Mekong, or join an organized tour. Many visitors combine the trip with a visit to the Friendship Bridge connecting Laos and Thailand, as they're in the same direction from Vientiane.
Getting Around
Once at Buddha Park, getting around is entirely on foot as the park covers a relatively small area that can be explored in 1-2 hours. The paths are mostly flat and easy to walk, though some areas may be uneven. The main attraction, the spherical building, requires climbing steep internal ladders to reach the upper levels, so comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended. The park layout is informal, allowing visitors to wander freely among the sculptures. There are no internal transportation options needed, and the entire site can be comfortably covered by walking at a leisurely pace.
Where to Stay
Vientiane City Center
Riverside Area Vientiane
Near Friendship Bridge
Thadeua District
Sisattanak District
Chanthabouly District
Food & Dining
Food options at Buddha Park itself are limited to basic snacks and drinks from small vendors near the entrance. Most visitors eat before or after their visit in Vientiane, where the capital offers an excellent range of Lao cuisine including sticky rice, laap (meat salad), tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and fresh Mekong fish dishes. Popular dining areas in Vientiane include the riverside restaurants along the Mekong, the morning and evening markets for street food, and the growing number of international restaurants catering to tourists. Some tour operators include lunch at local restaurants as part of Buddha Park day trips, offering visitors a chance to try authentic Lao flavors in a comfortable setting.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Buddha Park is during Laos's cool and dry season from November to February, when temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor exploration and there's minimal rainfall. Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) visits are ideal to avoid the midday heat and harsh sunlight, plus the lighting is better for photography. The rainy season (May to October) can make the park muddy and less pleasant, though the sculptures look dramatic against stormy skies. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, and visiting during Buddhist holidays can provide cultural context but may result in larger crowds of local visitors.
Insider Tips
Climb to the top of the three-story spherical building for the best panoramic views of the park and Mekong River, but be prepared for steep, narrow ladders inside that may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Bring water and sun protection as there's limited shade in the park, and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes for climbing and walking on uneven concrete surfaces around the sculptures.
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds - the golden hour light makes the weathered concrete sculptures particularly atmospheric and photogenic.