A visit to Vientiane would take you to various temples spread out in the city that display different statues of the Buddha – in all forms and sizes.
One of the best places to see bronze Buddha statues adorning the temple is Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos.
Location
Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos located along Thanon Setthathirat. It is situated right across from another popular temple attraction in the city, Wat Si Saket.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos is via the tuk-tuk, the most common public transport in the country.
There are also quite a few taxis in the city and these are usually found in front of hotels or at the airport. You can rent one for the day so you’ll have a ready transport once you want to go to another tourist spot in the city.
Finally, you can also ride one of the buses available in the city although you should know that these are not air-conditioned and signages are usually in the local language.
What to See and Do
Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos used to be a historically significant temple during the days when it was first built. Today, it serves more as a museum than a place of worship.
Nevertheless, one will be amazed at the bronze statues of the Buddha set against the columns of the temple, lining the corridors as if to stand guard and protect the temple.
There are standing statues of the Buddha and there are also sitting, cross-legged statues of Buddha.
The doors are adorned with ornamental carvings of various figures. Inside the temple, you can see a number of religious art and artifacts on display.
The temple is surrounded by a garden which provides for a nice stroll after visiting the temple.
Brief History
Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos was built some time in the mid-1550s to house the Emerald Buddha, as per the orders of King Setthathirath.
When Siam took control of Laos, they took back the Emerald Buddha and ravaged the temple built for him.
The Emerald Buddha is now housed in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. The Siamese troops destroyed most of the temple but it was rebuilt under King Annuovong.
Years later, when the King rebelled against Siam, the temple was destroyed a second time.
In the year 1920, the temple underwent restoration, this time under the French rule, during the time when French forces colonized Indochina.
The temple that stands today is the result of the third restoration.
Cost
The cost to enter Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos is 5,000 kip per person.
Other Information
Haw Phra Kaew in Vientiane – Laos is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 up to 11:30 in the morning; it closes for lunch break and then opens again from 2 up to 4:30 in the afternoon.
