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Chao Anouvong Statue

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Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)

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The Chao Anouvong Statue in Vientiane is a grand monument honoring the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane, who reigned from 1805 to 1828. Erected in 2010 to coincide with the 450th anniversary of Vientiane's establishment as the capital, the bronze statue stands prominently on the banks of the Mekong River. Chao Anouvong is celebrated as a national hero for leading a rebellion against Siamese suzerainty to restore Lao independence. The statue measures six meters in height and is positioned on a raised pedestal within a beautifully landscaped park. The king is depicted holding a sword in one hand, with his other hand extended in a gesture that commands respect and stability. This site serves as a powerful symbol of Lao national identity and historical struggle. In the evenings, the park becomes an animated social space for locals and tourists, offering panoramic views of the river sunset.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212528312928272727252321
Rain mm813356216817020324620485166

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Chao Anouvong Statue is a public sculpture along the Mekong riverfront in Vientiane. It is freely accessible at any time and can be viewed from outside.
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Typical hours
As it's an outdoor monument, there are no opening hours. A late afternoon visit gives nice light for photos and a pleasant stroll.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted; the statue and Mekong backdrop make great pictures. Especially at sunset, moody shots are possible.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 15-20 minutes to view the statue and enjoy the view. Allow more time if you want to stroll along the riverwalk.
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Combine with
Combine the statue with a walk along the Mekong promenade and nearby Patuxai arch. Vientiane city center is within walking distance.
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Getting there
The statue sits on the Mekong riverbank at the end of Setthathirath Road in central Vientiane. It is easily reached on foot from the city center.
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Insider tip
Visit the statue in the evening when city lights reflect on the river. Bring a camera with a good wide-angle lens to capture the whole monument.

Geography

Coordinates
17.95890, 102.60530

Facts

  • The statue was officially unveiled in November 2010.
  • Chao Anouvong was the last king of Vientiane, ruling until 1828.
  • The bronze statue stands 6 meters tall on its pedestal.
  • It faces across the Mekong River toward Thailand.
  • The park is a major venue for public celebrations and exercise.
  • The monument commemorates the 450th anniversary of the capital.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lao National MuseumLao National Museum<1 km · NWExplore →
Vientiane Port (KM4)Vientiane Port (KM4)2 km · NEExplore →
Pha That LuangPha That Luang4 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum RiverNam Ngum River7 km · SWExplore →
Vientiane Logistics ParkVientiane Logistics Park7 km · NExplore →
Vientiane Industrial and Trade AreaVientiane Industrial and Trade Area13 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum ReservoirNam Ngum Reservoir15 km · SWExplore →
Nong KhaiNong Khai16 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Chao Anouvong Statue (9)

Ho Kang Temple

Chinese folk temple in Vientiane, a site for venerating Chinese deities.

Wat Xieng Ngeun

Buddhist temple in Vientiane, a quiet site with typical temple buildings.

Lao National Theatre

Theatre in Vientiane, venue for traditional Lao arts and modern performances.

Vat Chan

Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its peaceful location along the Mekong River.

MAG UXO Visitors Centre🏛 museum

Museum in Vientiane about clearing unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War.

Mixay Temple

Wat Mixay in Vientiane, an active Buddhist temple with monks and prayers.

Ho Phra Keo

Temple building in Vientiane, once housed the Emerald Buddha, now a museum.

Tai Baan Crafts and Travel

Attraction in Vientiane, offering handicraft products and sustainable travel experiences.

Jamia Masjid

Mosque in Vientiane, Laos, central place of prayer for the Muslim community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Chao Anouvong?
He was the last king of the Kingdom of Vientiane and a national hero of Laos.
Where exactly is the statue located?
In Chao Anouvong Park on the banks of the Mekong in Vientiane.
When is the best time to visit the statue?
At sunset, when the adjacent night market opens and many locals walk there.
Why does the statue point towards Thailand?
It is a symbolic gesture of defiance and defense towards the neighboring country.
Are there entrance costs?
No, the statue is in a public park and is free to visit.
Chao Anouvong Statue: where is it located?
Chao Anouvong Statue is located in Laos.
Chao Anouvong Statue: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ho Kang Temple, Wat Xieng Ngeun, Lao National Theatre.
Chao Anouvong Statue: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Chao Anouvong Statue: why is it worth visiting?
The Chao Anouvong Statue in Vientiane is a grand monument honoring the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane, who reigned from 1805 to 1828.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Vientiane — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos, located on the Mekong River.

History & landmarks

Lao National Museum — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Lao National Museum
A museum in Vientiane showcasing the history, culture, and revolutionary struggle of the Laotian people.
Wat Si Saket — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of small Buddha statues in the walls.
Haw Phra Kaew — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Haw Phra Kaew
A former temple in Vientiane that today serves as a museum for religious art and ancient Laotian artifacts.
COPE Visitor Centre — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
COPE Visitor Centre
An informative museum in Vientiane documenting the impact of secret bombings on Laos and prosthetic efforts.
Pha That Luang — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Pha That Luang
The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.
Buddha Park — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Buddha Park
An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

More places

Mekong Riverside Park — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane
The wide alluvial plain surrounding the capital city, Vientiane, formed by the Mekong River.
Wat Si Saket — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the gallery walls.
That Dam — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
That Dam
A massive weathered stupa in the center of Vientiane, believed by many Laotians to be inhabited by a seven-headed Naga.
Haw Phra Kaew — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Haw Phra Kaew
A former royal temple in Vientiane that now functions as a museum of religious art and once housed the Emerald Buddha.
🗺️
Suan Mon Organic Farm
An interactive organic farm that introduces families and children to traditional Laotian agriculture and sustainable practices.
Vientiane Orchid Farm — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Vientiane Orchid Farm
A specialized nursery in the capital dedicated to breeding and preserving hundreds of Laotian orchid species.
Patuxai — Chao Anouvong Statue (Laos)
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.