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Haw Phra Kaew
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Landmark
Haw Phra Kaew is a former royal temple in Vientiane, Laos, originally established in 1565 by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha. The structure served as the king's personal place of worship until 1779, when Siamese forces captured Vientiane and moved the sacred icon to Bangkok. The temple was subsequently destroyed during the Lao-Siamese War of 1828 and remained in ruins for over a century. The current building is a meticulous reconstruction completed between 1936 and 1942 under French colonial direction, featuring traditional Rattanakosin-style architecture with carved wooden galleries and tiered roofs. Today, it functions as a museum of religious art, housing a significant collection of bronze Buddha images, stone inscriptions, and historical artifacts. The museum's veranda is particularly noted for its row of large bronze Buddhas dating back to the 18th century, showcasing the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Lan Xang era.
- Location: Laos
- Top sights: Wat Kaonyot · echoaa`aanuwong · Wat Phiavat
- Nearby: Nam Ngum Reservoir (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 13 | 35 | 62 | 168 | 170 | 203 | 246 | 204 | 85 | 16 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Haw Phra Kaew is now a museum of religious art and can be visited. The building previously served as a temple and houses a significant collection of Buddha statues.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Mondays and holidays it is usually closed.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed; a fee may apply in some areas. Please follow the signs near the exhibits.
Time needed
A visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Those interested in the collection details should plan for one hour.
Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Wat Si Saket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane. The Patuxai Monument is also not far away.
Getting there
Haw Phra Kaew is located in central Vientiane, near That Dam Stupa. It is easily reached on foot or by bicycle taxi.
Insider tip
Visit the museum early morning to avoid crowds. Take time to admire the fine details of the wood carvings inside.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1565 by King Setthathirath of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
- Housed the Emerald Buddha for 214 years before its seizure in 1779.
- The original structure was leveled by Siamese troops in 1828.
- Restoration efforts took place between 1936 and 1942.
- Now serves as a museum rather than a practicing monastery.
- Features a collection of Lao bronze Buddhas from the 18th century.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Haw Phra Kaew (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of Haw Phra Kaew?
Today it serves as a museum for religious artifacts and is one of Vientiane's most visited attractions.
What does the name Haw Phra Kaew mean?
The name means 'Altar of the Emerald Buddha', as it was originally built for that sanctuary.
Can you walk in the garden?
Yes, the temple is surrounded by a well-kept garden with beautiful statues and shaded spots.
Is the temple still in use for religious ceremonies?
No, today it is exclusively a museum and no longer an active monastery.
Which artifacts are particularly worth seeing?
The bronze statues on the gallery and the ancient stone tablets from the 6th century.
Haw Phra Kaew: where is it located?
Haw Phra Kaew is located in Laos.
Haw Phra Kaew: what is there to see?
Highlights include Wat Kaonyot, echoaa`aanuwong, Wat Phiavat.
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 is a former royal temple in Vientiane, Laos, originally established in 1565 by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha.
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History & landmarks
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of small Buddha statues in the walls.
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A museum in Vientiane showcasing the history, culture, and revolutionary struggle of the Laotian people.
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COPE Visitor Centre
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Buddha Park
An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
More places
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the gallery walls.
Haw Phra Kaew
A former royal temple in Vientiane that now functions as a museum of religious art and once housed the Emerald Buddha.
That Dam
A massive weathered stupa in the center of Vientiane, believed by many Laotians to be inhabited by a seven-headed Naga.
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
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