Ho Phra Keo: A Glimpse into Lao History and Art

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Explore Lao Buddhist art and history at the former royal temple, now a museum, showcasing sculptures, carvings, and artifacts in Vientiane.

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Ho Phrakeo Museum

Once the royal temple of Vientiane, Ho Phra Keo is now a museum showcasing a rich collection of Lao Buddhist art and artifacts. Built in 1565 to house the Emerald Buddha, it has been rebuilt several times, most recently in the 1930s and 40s. Though the Emerald Buddha now resides in Bangkok, the museum remains a significant cultural site, displaying the Kingdom's artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Ho Phrakeo Museum

XJ66+MJC, Vientiane, LA
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Monday 8 am-12 pm
Tuesday 8 am-12 pm
Wednesday 8 am-12 pm
Thursday 8 am-12 pm
Friday 8 am-12 pm
Saturday 8 am-12 pm
Sunday 8 am-12 pm

Local tips

Dress respectfully when visiting; cover shoulders and knees.
Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a pleasant experience.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Wat Si Saket and the Presidential Palace.
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and its grounds.

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Getting There

Walking

Ho Phra Keo is centrally located in Vientiane, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the city center. From the Presidential Palace, walk east along Setthathirath Road; the museum will be on your right. From Wat Si Saket, simply cross the street to reach Ho Phra Keo. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Vientiane has a public bus system that connects various parts of the city. Look for city bus routes that pass along Lane Xang Avenue; Ho Phra Keo is a short walk away. Bus fare is approximately 5,000 LAK per trip. From the Central Bus Station, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the museum. The tuk-tuk fare within the city should be around 20,000-30,000 LAK.
Taxi

Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Vientiane. Ask the driver to take you to Ho Phra Keo Museum, located near the Presidential Palace on Setthathirath Road. Agree on the fare before starting your journey, as taxis may not always use meters. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between 43,655 LAK and 109,137 LAK.

Discover more about Ho Phrakeo Museum

Ho Phra Keo, also known as Haw Phra Kaew, stands as a testament to Vientiane's rich history and artistic traditions. Originally constructed in 1565 by King Setthathirath, it served as the royal temple and housed the Emerald Buddha, a revered statue now located in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew. The temple's name, meaning "Temple of the Emerald Buddha", reflects its original purpose.Over the centuries, Ho Phra Keo has faced destruction and reconstruction, mirroring the turbulent history of Laos. It was destroyed during Siamese invasions in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The current structure dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, when it was rebuilt during the French colonial period. In the 1970s, it was transformed into a museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Lao Buddhist art.Today, Ho Phra Keo Museum houses an impressive collection of Buddhist sculptures, wood carvings, and other religious artifacts. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the gilded throne once intended for the Emerald Buddha, explore Khmer stone sculptures, and examine ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. The museum's architecture blends traditional Lao design with French colonial influences, creating a unique and captivating space. The surrounding gardens offer a tranquil setting for reflection, with stone tablets and bronze Buddha statues adding to the site's historical and spiritual ambiance.Visiting Ho Phra Keo provides a glimpse into the Kingdom's artistic heritage and offers a deeper understanding of Lao culture and history.