Ho Phrakeo Museum, Vientiane Travel Guide

4.3 (1020)

Explore Lao Buddhist art and history at Ho Phrakeo Museum, a former royal temple in Vientiane showcasing sculptures and artifacts.

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Ho Phrakeo Museum

Ho Phrakeo Museum, once a royal temple built in 1565, now stands as a museum showcasing Lao Buddhist art and artifacts. Though the Emerald Buddha, its most famous relic, is now in Bangkok, the museum remains a significant cultural and historical site in Vientiane.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ho Phrakeo Museum.

Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as the museum is a place of cultural respect.
Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the historical significance of the artifacts.

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Explore Ho Phrakeo Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ho Phrakeo Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you're in the Chanthabouly area, walking to Ho Phrakeo Museum is straightforward. Start near the Presidential Palace and walk east along Thanon Setthathilath. The museum will be on your left, next to Wat Si Saket. No costs are associated with walking.
Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Agree on a fare before starting your ride to Ho Phrakeo Museum. A short trip within the city center should cost between 20,000 to 30,000 LAK.
Public Transport

Local buses connect various parts of Vientiane. Look for a bus that passes along Lane Xang Avenue. Get off at a stop near Wat Ho Phra Keo, which is a short walk from the museum. The bus fare is around 5,000 LAK.

Discover more about Ho Phrakeo Museum

Ho Phrakeo Museum, also known as Haw Phra Kaew, is a former temple in Vientiane with a rich and complex history. Originally constructed in 1565 by King Setthathirath, it served as the royal chapel for the Lao monarchy and was built to house the Emerald Buddha. The Siamese invasion in 1778 resulted in the temple's destruction and the removal of the Emerald Buddha to Thailand.King Anouvong rebuilt the temple in 1816, but it was again destroyed in 1828 by another Siamese invasion. The temple was reconstructed between 1936 and 1942 during the French colonial period; these are the buildings that stand today. In the 1970s, it was converted into a museum, ceasing its function as a place of worship.Today, Ho Phrakeo Museum houses a collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts, offering insights into Lao art and religious history. Visitors can explore the terrace with Buddha images and stone tablets, and admire the carved wooden features and lacquered doors. The museum is set among landscaped gardens, providing a tranquil space for reflection.