Haw Phra Kaew
A former temple, now a museum, that once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha, rich in history and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Haw Phra Kaew
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former temple, now a museum, that once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha, rich in history and art.
"A quiet, beautiful place that really helped me appreciate the deep cultural soul of this country."
🧥 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees. Long pants & sleeves are recommended.
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is prohibited inside the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Emerald Buddha
Though no longer housed here, this sacred statue's history is central to the temple's significance.
Intricate Carvings
Admire the detailed carvings on doors and arches, showcasing the temple's artistic heritage.
Buddha Statues Collection
Explore a collection of stone and bronze Buddha statues lining the temple's exterior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code is Key
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees. Long pants & sleeves are recommended. +1
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is prohibited inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the outdoor exhibits and surrounding architecture.
💰 Entrance Fee
Non-Lao citizens pay a higher entrance fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees. Long pants & sleeves are recommended. +1
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is prohibited inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the outdoor exhibits and surrounding architecture.
💰 Entrance Fee
Non-Lao citizens pay a higher entrance fee.
🙏 Peaceful Atmosphere
Enjoy the serene ambiance and spiritual feel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Haw Phra Kaew to be a moving and historically significant site, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Laos' spiritual heritage. While the prohibition on photography inside is a common point of disappointment, the intricate carvings, Buddha statues, and historical context are highly appreciated. The entrance fee for foreigners is noted as being higher than for locals.
"This place houses a lot of history. It was previously a temple built by King Setthathirat to house the Emerald Buddha after he had moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in 1560. The Emerald Buddha was housed in this place for 219 years. In 1779, it was then brought to Thailand. In later years, the temple was then converted to a museum which we now have the luxury of seeing all the artifacts and history it houses. A lovely place to visit when in Vientiane."
Aibi Y.
"Once a temple that housed the famed Emerald Buddha, Ho Phrakeo carries the weight of centuries in its walls. Originally built in the 16th century, the temple was ransacked by the Siamese in the 18th century. The Emerald Buddha was taken to Bangkok, where it resides to this day.
The temple has been rebuilt a few times since then, and though it is no longer a temple, it now stands as a museum showcasing religious art and manuscripts.
While its origins as a temple are clear from the architecture, the shift to museum is unmistakable. The grounds include outdoor exhibits highlighting archaeological sites from around Laos, including information on the Plain of Jars, one of the country’s most important prehistoric sites.
The building itself is part of the collection. The current structure was reconstructed by the French during the colonial period and later converted into a museum in the 1970s. Lining the exterior are rows of stone and bronze Buddha statues. Many of the doors and arches are adorned with intricate carvings, being art in their own right.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, so if you want to see the religious artefacts, sculptures, and historical relics it houses, you’ll have to visit in person. But it’s worth it. Ho Phrakeo is a place where the sacred and the historical intersect, a monument to Laos' resilience and spiritual heritage."
Bok “Doc Bok” McDonagh
"Just visited Ho Phra Keo Museum on my first trip to Laos, and I was genuinely moved. The peaceful atmosphere, detailed carvings, and ancient Buddha statues made me feel connected to something timeless. I didn’t expect to learn so much about Lao history and spirituality in one visit. It’s a quiet, beautiful place that really helped me appreciate the deep cultural soul of this country. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a meaningful cultural experience in Vientiane."
O D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haw Phra Kaew is located in the heart of Vientiane, near the Mekong River. You can easily reach it by taxi, tuk-tuk, or even on foot if you're staying nearby. Many visitors find tuk-tuks a fun and convenient way to get around the city.
While often mentioned alongside the Grand Palace in Bangkok due to the Emerald Buddha's history, Haw Phra Kaew is a distinct historical site and museum located in Vientiane, Laos. +1
Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable option for hopping between Vientiane's temples, including Haw Phra Kaew. Negotiate your fare beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, but generally, Haw Phra Kaew is open daily from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check locally or with your accommodation for the most up-to-date times.
There is an entrance fee, and it's noted that non-Lao citizens typically pay a higher price than locals.
Yes, a strict dress code is enforced. You must cover your shoulders and knees. Wearing long pants and shirts with sleeves is highly recommended to ensure entry. +1
Unfortunately, photography is not permitted inside the museum. You'll need to rely on your memory and the experience to appreciate the artifacts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Historically, the main attraction was the Emerald Buddha, which is no longer housed here but is central to its story. Today, it's a museum showcasing religious art, manuscripts, and historical relics. +1
The museum houses a collection of religious art, ancient Buddha statues, historical relics, and manuscripts, offering insights into Laos' spiritual and cultural heritage.
Absolutely! Haw Phra Kaew is rich in history, detailing the journey of the Emerald Buddha and the evolution of the temple into a museum.
Yes, the grounds include outdoor exhibits that highlight archaeological sites from around Laos, including information on the Plain of Jars.
The current structure was reconstructed by the French during the colonial period, but its origins as a temple are evident in its architecture, with intricate carvings on doors and arches.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. However, the exterior architecture, grounds, and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities for beautiful shots.
The intricate carvings on the temple's exterior, the rows of Buddha statues, and the overall temple grounds provide excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🏛️ Culture & History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Emerald Buddha and Haw Phra Kaew
However, this era of spiritual significance was interrupted in 1779 when the Siamese ransacked the temple and took the Emerald Buddha to Bangkok, where it resides to this day. This event marked a turning point for Haw Phra Kaew, transitioning its role from a primary religious sanctuary to a site of historical reflection.
Over the centuries, the temple has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times. The current structure, largely a reconstruction by the French during the colonial period, now functions as a museum. It preserves and displays religious art, ancient manuscripts, and historical relics, offering visitors a glimpse into Laos' rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
Visitors are particularly drawn to the intricate carvings adorning the temple's doors and arches. These detailed artworks are not just decorative but are considered art in their own right, showcasing the skill of the artisans. Lining the exterior are also rows of stone and bronze Buddha statues, each with its own character and historical context.
Although photography is not allowed inside, the exterior and grounds offer ample visual appeal. The outdoor exhibits, including information on the Plain of Jars, add another layer of historical and archaeological interest to the site. The overall atmosphere is one of peaceful contemplation, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and history embedded in every corner.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit