Let’s talk a little bit about places to visit in Vientiane Laos in one day.
I recommend 2 things, Patuxai, and Buddha Park.
Let’s start with a place that will both interest you and maybe scare you a little bit, I’m talking about
Buddha Park|Xieng Khuan
The picture above is one of a 120 meter long reclining Buddha.
It’s located in Buddha park, also referred to as Xieng Khuam Temple.
That statue is definitely one of the most impressive ones.
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But there are others that will also catch your attention. Representations of demons from Hindu mythology can also be found here.
Let me show you some pictures
All of the sculptures that you’ll find in this park were made by Bunleua Sulilat. He was a Lao, Thai spiritual cult leader, and sculpture artist.
It certainly takes some skills to build those statues.
He also created a second Buddha Park in Nong Khai Thailand.
All statues were built using reinforced concrete and are rich in detail. Some of them might make you think: WHAT THE HELL!!
Like this huge statue below
Isn’t that a scary sculpture right there?
It’s also very impressive, that’s why this place is one you must visit in Vientiane Laos.
Bunleua Sulilat started to build this park around 1958. The statues are actually not that old, although they do have a very ancient look right?
This park is located near the north border of Thailand, near the Mekong River, which represents a major problem for the preservation of this place.
During the rainy season it is common for this place to get flooded as the level of the river increases.
Some believe that if the government doesn’t take better care of this place it’ll soon be in ruins and people will abandon it.
There is one structure that is quite different from the rest.
I’m talking about a Pumpkin from hell which you can walk into.
Once you’re inside you’ll see it has 3 floors, one representing hell, the second one represents earth and the third one heaven.
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Pumpkin Sculpture in Buddha Park
You can also go to the top of the pumpkin and take a look at the park from up there.
Questions and Answers
Where is the Buddha park exactly located?
Address: Deua Thanon Tha, Vientiane Laos and it opens from 8 AM to 5 PM
How Can I get To Buddha Park in Vientiane?
You’ll have 3 options
- By Bus
- Take a Tuk Tuk
- By Scooter
Take a bus, you’ll have to go to Talat Sao Bus Terminal on Nongbone road and take bus #14, it’ll be around 6,000 Lao Kips each way.
The ride will take around 1 hour.
Just get on the bus and grab a seat if there’s any available, halfway on the ride the bus driver helper will start collecting the money.
The last bus stop is Buddha Park.
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To get back to the city just wait outside the park for another bus number 14.
Take a Tuk Tuk, this is very simple, go out of your hotel or hostel and find a Tuk Tuk driver, show him a picture of Buddha Park -hotels and hostels always have brochures with tourist spots- and agree on the price
A round trip by Tuk Tuk will be around 90,000 Lao Kips, the Tuk Tuk driver will wait for you outside the park and take you back.
I don’t think the price is crazy expensive, plus if you’re with 1 or 2 other friends you can all share the fee, and it’s a very good way to see more of Vientiane.
Ride a Scooter, if you’re more adventurous then this might be a good choice for you.
All you gotta do is rent a scooter somewhere downtown -there are plenty of places- and make your way to Buddha Park.
Renting a scooter for one day should not be more than 120,000 Lao Kips.
Note: Budha Park is close to Laos and Thailand’s border checkpoint.
If your next destination is Thailand, you could go directly from the Park to the Border checking point and take a 10 minutes train ride to NongKhai in Thailand.
And from Nongkhai take the 7 pm overnight train to Bangkok or head to Chiangmai which is way closer.
Do I Have To Pay To Enter Buddha Park?
Yes, the price is around 5,000 Lao Kip, if you are carrying a professional camera they’ll charge you an extra 3,000.
What Is The Best Time To Take Photos?
Definitely in the morning as you’ll have better lighting due to the sun’s location.
Are There Souvenir Shops Inside The Park?
Yes, you’ll find a little souvenir shop inside the park with little statues and the traditional souvenirs such as magnets and key holders.
A place where you can find many souvenirs is Patuxai.
This takes me to the second place to visit Vientiane, Laos.
Patuxai
So what is Patuxai?
Patuxai can be translated into English as Victory Gate.
It’s a war memorial built to commemorate all of those who died fighting for independence from the French rulers, the structure is similar in shape and concept to the Arc De Triomphe in France.
But not the same.
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Patuxai is rich in Laos style decoration, which makes it a very popular landmark visited by all tourists who decide to pay the city of Vientiane a visit.
The whole structure looks like a beast of concrete from afar and is because the monument was actually never finished.
The reason was Laos changing political environment at the time, the construction started in 1957.
Once you’re close to it, you can start appreciating the beautiful Laotian details.
The monument opens every day from 8 am to 4 pm, there are two concrete staircases that allow you to visit the floors inside, where you’ll find souvenir shops and a museum that’ll give you a better understanding of Laos history.
The fee to enter Patuxai is 3,000 Lao Kips
I really think that visiting this place is worth it, and overall I feel that Vientiane is very safe.
I was walking a lot and never felt under any kind of risks.
Tourist Visas for Laos
Just like in Cambodia, most nationalities can apply for visas on arrival, so don’t worry too much about it.
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All you’ll need is your passport, fill out a form, passport size photos and pay a fee.
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Cost of Living in Laos
Laos is another Southeast Asian country where the living costs are cheap compared to developed western and Asian nations.
- The average daily cost of traveling in Laos is 29 USD
- For food, on one day you’ll spend around 13 USD
- The average price for a hotel room for 2 is 22 USD
In the following tables, you’ll find more information about the cost of traveling in Vientiane, Laos.
So, as you can see, going to the places you must visit in Vientiane Laos won’t break the bank.
Conclusion
Vientiane is a very laid back city, is not as crowded with foreigners and backpackers as other cities and towns in South East Asia.
However, there’s still a lot you can see in this nice and small southeast Asian City, plus is the perfect point to cross to Thailand and start a beautiful Trip
Is there any other place you think I should include in this “places you must visit in Vientiane Laos post”?
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I hope you like this blog entry.