Buddha Park in Vientiane is one for the weird and wonderful list. Set across a couple of acres of grounds next to the Mekong river, it’s home to a huge collection of eclectic and slightly crazy Buddhist and Hindu mythological sculptures.
It might look like a graveyard where centuries old religious relics have come to rest. However, surprisingly all the artwork here is less than 70 years old, with each piece built on site in the 1950’s by priest-shaman Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat (the man behind it all) and his team of artists.
There are over 200 sculptures to discover, from small animal works to larger than life gods and icons. Not forgetting the highlight of the park, the ‘Heaven and Hell’ piece: a 3-levelled sculpture which you enter through the mouth of a demon and climb around inside.
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When to visit Buddha Park in Vientiane?
The park is open from 8 am – 5 pm daily. It’s located 25km southeast of the city centre with the journey taking around 1 hour each way. Once there, you’ll also want to spend 1 – 2 hours walking around the park itself, so make sure to dedicate a whole morning or afternoon to your visit.
How much is entry?
Entry to Buddha Park in Vientiane is 15,000 LAK for foreigners. There’s also a few stalls where you can buy snacks and drinks inside.
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How do you get to Buddha Park?
The cheapest way to get to Buddha Park is by local bus. You can catch the number 14 from the main Vientiane bus station next to the Talat Sao shopping centre. If you’re struggling to find the right bus (we did!) just ask one of the locals and they will happily point you in the right direction. The fare is 8000 LAK per person one way.
Alternatively you can get a tuk tuk there, but prepare to pay around 10x as much as the bus.
Buddha Park in Vientiane makes an ideal day out for art lovers and culture buffs. It’s also great for travellers wanting to experience something a little more off the beaten path and a must visit on any adventurers Vientiane itinerary.
