Buddhist and Hindu sculptures

Xieng Khuan Buddha Park

Sculpture garden housing over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures

Buddha Park is a sculpture garden housing a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures in a park like setting on the banks of the Mekong river outside Vientiane.

The park, also known as Xieng Khuan and Xiengkuane Buddha Park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bounleua Sulilat, a Laos national who later moved to Thailand where he created a similar park named Sala Keoku in Nong Khai, on the other side of the Mekong river.

Although often referred to as Wat Xiengkuane (Wat meaning temple), Buddha Park is not a temple, even though some of its sculptures like a large reclining Buddha are worshipped by local Buddhists.

Sculptures of the Buddha, Hindu Gods, demons & mythological creatures

The park houses over 200 sculptures made from concrete in varying sizes from small to very large. The sculptures of the Buddha, several Hindu Gods, demons and mythological creatures like a three headed elephant are pretty weathered, giving them an impression of being old.

One of the most striking sculptures is a giant pumpkin with three floors. At the front is a large mythological creature, its open mouth serving as the entrance. Its three floors represent Hell, Earth and Heaven. A staircase inside the pumpkin leads to the platform on top, from where good views of the park can be had.

Unfortunately, there are very few signs in English with information about the sculptures and their meaning. The sculpture garden is housed in a park like setting with lots of trees and good views of the Mekong river. On the grounds are food vendors, a gift shop and a restaurant overlooking the Mekong river.

Large sculpting at Xieng Khuan Buddha Park

Large sculpting
Xieng Khuan Buddha Park

Location

Buddha Park is located near Thadeua Village, just past the Thai Laos friendship bridge, about 25 kilometers South East of Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong river.

How to get to Buddha Park

There are several ways to get there. The easiest way is to book with a Vientiane travel agent.

Local bus no 14 leaves several times per hour from Khua Din bus station next to the Talat Sao market to Buddha Park. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 6,000 Kip one way.

Another way to get there is to rent a motorbike. Although it is a fun ride with the opportunity to stop at other places along the way, beware of potholes and dusty roads. Make sure to be back in town before dark, as often there are very few or no street lights on local roads.

Alternatively, hire a tuk tuk for the trip. The price depends on your bargaining skills and will be between 150,000 and 200,000 Kip. The driver will wait at the parking lot for the return trip to Vientiane.