Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan
A serene 16th-century temple in Vientiane, home to the 'Heavy Buddha' and a center for Buddhist learning.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Witness local devotion
Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan
Best Time
Witness local devotion

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 16th-century temple in Vientiane, home to the 'Heavy Buddha' and a center for Buddhist learning.
"A welcome respite with an air of tranquility, offering a glimpse into local worship and inner peace."
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Essential for showing respect at this active place of worship.
💧 Water Blessing
Kind monks may offer a 'nam man' water blessing for good luck.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Phra Ong Teu Buddha Statue
Marvel at the enormous bronze Buddha, radiating peace with intricate details and flowing robes.

Ordination Hall (Ubosot)
Admire the lofty and impressive Ordination Hall, a central hub for worshipers and lay people.

Lao Buddhist Institute
Discover the historical significance of this important school for Theravada Buddhism, active since 1929.
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Planning Your Visit
Dress Respectfully
Embrace Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Essential for showing respect at this active place of worship.
💧 Water Blessing
Kind monks may offer a 'nam man' water blessing for good luck.
🐘 Entrance Elephants
Admire the beautiful elephant statues guarding the entrance gates.
✨ Amulets Available
You can find amulets here for good fortune.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Essential for showing respect at this active place of worship.
💧 Water Blessing
Kind monks may offer a 'nam man' water blessing for good luck.
🐘 Entrance Elephants
Admire the beautiful elephant statues guarding the entrance gates.
✨ Amulets Available
You can find amulets here for good fortune.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Ong Teu for its serene atmosphere and the impressive Phra Ong Teu Buddha statue. Many appreciate the lack of large tourist crowds, finding it a genuine place for local worship and reflection. While some found the prayer hall closed, the overall experience is described as peaceful and spiritually enriching.
"Wat Ong Teu is one of the largest temple in Vientiane city. Daily morning prayers are conducted by 3 monks and many locals attend this prayer with offering of food and drinks for the temple. Definitely worth a visit. Please wear appropriately as a form of self respect."
Robin CHAN
"Wat Ong Tue, the temple of the Heavy Buddha, is an historic temple in Vientiane.
Wat Ong Tue is the home of the Lao Buddhist Institute since 1929 and an.important school for Theravada Buddhism.
The lofty Ordination Hall is particularly impressive and is open everyday for worshipers and lay people alike."
Nigel Fowler Sutton
"Nestled amongst the bustling streets of Vientiane, Wat Ong Teu offered a welcome respite. It wasn't the grandest temple I'd seen in Laos, but it had a certain charm. Maybe it was the air of tranquility that settled over me as I stepped into the courtyard. The scent of incense hung lightly in the air, and the only sounds were the soft murmurs of prayer and the occasional chirp of a bird.
The main attraction, as the name suggests, is the enormous Phra Ong Teu Buddha statue. It wasn't just the size that impressed me, but the intricate details. The robes seemed to flow naturally, and the expression on the Buddha's face radiated a sense of peace. I spent a good amount of time just sitting in front of it, letting the calmness wash over me.
While Wat Ong Teu might not have the tourist crowds of some of the other temples, I found that to be a plus. It felt more like a place for local worshipers, a glimpse into their daily practice. I watched a group of women kneel in prayer, their faces etched with devotion. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the spiritual significance these temples hold.
Overall, Wat Ong Teu might not be a top-of-the-list attraction, but it left a lasting impression on me. It's a place to slow down, appreciate the beauty of Buddhist art, and maybe even find a little inner peace yourself."
Thanh Hảo Lê
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Ong Teu is located in the heart of Vientiane city. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of the city. Walking is also an option if you are staying nearby. The temple is nestled amongst the bustling streets, making it accessible via local transport.
While there isn't a dedicated large parking lot, you can usually find space for motorbikes and sometimes cars on the streets surrounding the temple. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure a convenient spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Wat Ong Teu is generally free. However, donations are always appreciated to help with the temple's upkeep and the monks' welfare.
The temple grounds are typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon. The Ordination Hall is open for worshipers and lay people alike. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the iconography.
Yes, a modest dress code is strictly enforced. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees out of respect for the sacred nature of the temple. Avoid revealing clothing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the enormous Phra Ong Teu Buddha statue, known as the 'Heavy Buddha'. Its size and intricate details are captivating, and it radiates a profound sense of peace.
You can witness daily morning prayers conducted by monks, often attended by locals offering food. Some visitors have also received a 'nam man' water blessing from a monk.
Compared to some other temples, Wat Ong Teu often has fewer tourist crowds, offering a more tranquil and authentic experience. It feels more like a place for local worship.
Besides the main Buddha, you can explore other shrines, smaller glittering buildings, and the beautiful white stone 'lucky Buddha' in the garden. The elephants at the entrance gates are also noteworthy.
Absolutely. The temple is described as a beautiful wat for reflection and meditation, offering a welcome respite and a sense of tranquility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no food stalls or restaurants directly within the temple grounds. However, Vientiane city has numerous dining options nearby. You can find local eateries and cafes just a short walk away.
Yes, locals often attend morning prayers with offerings of food and drinks for the monks. If you wish to participate, it's best to observe local customs and offer simple, appropriate food items.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be discreet, especially during prayer times or when monks are present. Avoid intrusive photography.
Capture the grandeur of the Phra Ong Teu Buddha, the intricate details of the Ordination Hall, the elephant statues at the entrance, and the serene atmosphere of the temple courtyards. The 'lucky Buddha' in the garden is also a unique photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good opportunity to introduce children to different cultures and religious practices in a respectful manner. The lack of overwhelming crowds can make it easier for families to navigate and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. Pack water and snacks, as dining options are limited within the temple itself.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
The relatively low tourist traffic means you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere without distraction. It's a place to slow down, observe local devotion, and connect with the quiet energy of the temple. The historical significance as a center for Buddhist learning also adds a rich context for contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the 'Heavy Buddha'
Beyond its visual appeal, the statue embodies a deep spiritual significance for devotees. It serves as a focal point for meditation and prayer, offering a tangible connection to Buddhist teachings. The temple itself, housing this magnificent icon, has been a center for Buddhist learning and practice for centuries, making the Phra Ong Teu statue a symbol of enduring faith and cultural identity.
A Hub for Buddhist Learning
This academic and spiritual function means that Wat Ong Teu is not just a tourist attraction but a living, breathing institution. Visitors may have the opportunity to observe monks in their daily routines, including morning prayers and the receiving of alms, offering a glimpse into the disciplined life of Buddhist clergy. The presence of the institute adds a layer of depth to the visitor experience, highlighting the temple's ongoing contribution to the spiritual landscape of Laos.
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