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Haw Phra Kaew

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Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)

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Haw Phra Kaew, also known as Ho Phra Keo, is a premier historical temple in Vientiane, originally commissioned in 1565 by King Setthathirath. It was built specifically to house the famous Emerald Buddha, which the king had brought from Chiang Mai when establishing Vientiane as the capital of Lan Xang. After the temple was sacked by Siamese forces in 1779 and the sacred statue was taken to Bangkok, the structure fell into disrepair for over a century. It suffered further damage in the 19th century and was eventually meticulously reconstructed between 1936 and 1942 during the French colonial administration. The architecture adheres to classical Lao design principles, featuring a prominent veranda and exquisitely carved wooden doors. Currently, the building no longer functions as an active monastery but serves as a national museum of religious art. Visitors can explore a significant collection of bronze Buddha statues, ancient stone steles, and royal artifacts. Its beautifully manicured gardens and central location make it a cornerstone of Lao cultural heritage.

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
Haw Phra Kaew can be visited as a museum; you go inside to see the religious art. Entry typically requires a ticket, usually moderate in price.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are typically daily from morning to late afternoon, e.g., 8 AM to 4 or 5 PM. It may close on public holidays.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed inside, but without flash near delicate artifacts. Some rooms may prohibit photos entirely.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Allow extra time if you want to study the exhibits closely.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Wat Phra Keo and the That Dam stupa. The Patuxai victory arch is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
Haw Phra Kaew is in central Vientiane, easy to reach on foot or by tuk-tuk. Many hotels are nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Bring water and sunscreen.

Geography

Coordinates
17.96200, 102.61200

Facts

  • The Emerald Buddha was enshrined here for 214 years, from 1565 until 1779.
  • The modern reconstruction was based on designs by Prince Souvanna Phouma.
  • The museum houses one of the most significant collections of bronze Buddhas in the country.
  • The temple is located directly across the street from the Presidential Palace.
  • The intricate door carvings depict scenes from the epic Ramakien (Lao Ramayana).
  • A large number of Buddha statues in various mudras are displayed along the outer gallery.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Haw Phra KaewHaw Phra Kaew<1 km · SExplore →
Vientiane Orchid FarmVientiane Orchid Farm2 km · SWExplore →
Pha That LuangPha That Luang3 km · NExplore →
Vientiane Logistics ParkVientiane Logistics Park7 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum RiverNam Ngum River7 km · SWExplore →
Vientiane Industrial and Trade AreaVientiane Industrial and Trade Area12 km · NExplore →
Nong KhaiNong Khai15 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum ReservoirNam Ngum Reservoir16 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Haw Phra Kaew (2)

Church of Sacred Heart⛪ religious

The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Vientiane is a notable Catholic church located near the historic Ho Phra Keo complex.

Ho Phra Keo⛪ religious

Ho Phra Keo is a former royal temple in Vientiane that historically housed the famous Emerald Buddha.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Ho Phra Keo today?
It is a museum of religious art in Vientiane, housing a significant collection of Buddha statues.
Why was this temple originally built?
King Setthathirath built it in 1565 to house the famous Emerald Buddha (Phra Keo).
Where is the Emerald Buddha today?
It is located in Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok, after the Siamese army captured it in 1779.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum, though it is allowed outside.
What is special about its architecture?
The impressive veranda with carved wooden pillars and the elaborate bronze statues around the temple.
Haw Phra Kaew: where is it located?
Haw Phra Kaew is located in Laos.
Haw Phra Kaew: what is there to see?
Highlights include Church of Sacred Heart, Ho Phra Keo.
Haw Phra Kaew: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Haw Phra Kaew: why is it worth visiting?
Haw Phra Kaew, also known as Ho Phra Keo, is a premier historical temple in Vientiane, originally commissioned in 1565 by King Setthathirath.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Vientiane — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos, located on the Mekong River.

History & landmarks

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

More places

Wat Si Saket — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the gallery walls.
That Dam — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
That Dam
A massive weathered stupa in the center of Vientiane, believed by many Laotians to be inhabited by a seven-headed Naga.
Patuxai — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
Mekong Riverside Park — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
🗺️
Suan Mon Organic Farm
An interactive organic farm that introduces families and children to traditional Laotian agriculture and sustainable practices.
Vientiane Port (KM4) — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Vientiane Port (KM4)
The central freight port of the Laotian capital on the banks of the Mekong River, essential for the import and export of heavy building m…
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane
The wide alluvial plain surrounding the capital city, Vientiane, formed by the Mekong River.
Vientiane Orchid Farm — Haw Phra Kaew (Laos)
Vientiane Orchid Farm
A specialized nursery in the capital dedicated to breeding and preserving hundreds of Laotian orchid species.