Buddha Park Xieng Khuan
A whimsical sculpture park near Vientiane featuring hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues, including the iconic 'Giant Pumpkin'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
No wait for admission
Buddha Park Xieng Khuan
Best Time
No wait for admission
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A whimsical sculpture park near Vientiane featuring hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues, including the iconic 'Giant Pumpkin'.
"A peaceful and intriguing park with a remarkable collection of ornate statues and sculptures."
🚗 Hire a driver to wait
Ask your taxi driver to wait for you at the park to ensure easy return to Vientiane.
⬆️ Climb the Pumpkin
Venture inside the 'Giant Pumpkin' for amazing views, but be careful on the steep, low-railed stairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Pumpkin
Entrance structure
A multi-level concrete marvel representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Climb inside for unique views!
Reclining Buddha
Within the park
A massive, serene Reclining Buddha statue offering a peaceful and impressive sight.
Diverse Sculptures
Throughout the park
Hundreds of intricate Buddhist and Hindu statues in various poses, creating a unique spiritual landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There & Timing
Exploring the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a driver to wait
Ask your taxi driver to wait for you at the park to ensure easy return to Vientiane.
⬆️ Climb the Pumpkin
Venture inside the 'Giant Pumpkin' for amazing views, but be careful on the steep, low-railed stairs.
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) near Friendship Bridge
The most interesting park I have seen for a long time. ( Buddha Park, Vientiane, Laos)
🥤 Refreshments available
Enjoy good shakes and ice cream at the cafes inside the park, especially on hot days.
💰 Reasonable entry fee
Foreigners pay 60,000 Kip, locals 15,000 Kip. Parking is plentiful.
Few days in Vientiane
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a driver to wait
Ask your taxi driver to wait for you at the park to ensure easy return to Vientiane.
⬆️ Climb the Pumpkin
Venture inside the 'Giant Pumpkin' for amazing views, but be careful on the steep, low-railed stairs.
🥤 Refreshments available
Enjoy good shakes and ice cream at the cafes inside the park, especially on hot days.
💰 Reasonable entry fee
Foreigners pay 60,000 Kip, locals 15,000 Kip. Parking is plentiful.
🤔 Learn about the statues
Consider a guided tour if you want to understand the significance of the many statues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Buddha Park Xieng Khuan to be a peaceful and intriguing place with a remarkable collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. The 'Giant Pumpkin' structure is a highlight, offering unique views, though caution is advised on its steep stairs. Some wish for more information about the statues' significance.
"I really loved this place. Such a beautiful park where you can see hundreds of statues of Buddhist & Hindu sculptures. The Reclining Buddha was a sight to see as well. The Prakarn or Giant Pumpkin was a great experience as well. Such an interesting structure which consist of 3 levels said to represent Hell, Earth & Heaven. As you enter inside, there are very steep stairs that will lead you to the top where you can enjoy the view of the park. Please be careful though since the railings are low and the structure seems to be slanted a bit. There were few cafe & restaurants inside too. Enjoyed our time here."
Aibi Y.
"Try this place. This is a peaceful and intriguing park, located about a 20-minute drive from central Vientiane along the Mekong River, features a remarkable collection of ornate statues and sculptures inspired by both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The admission fee was reasonable, and I experienced no wait when visiting on a Wednesday morning. Parking was plentiful just outside the park. Restroom facilities were adequate, and refreshments and souvenirs were easily accessible within the grounds. This attraction is certainly worth a visit while in Vientiane."
Eldar
"Buddha Park is an interesting and fun place to visit during your stay in Vientiane. It's about a 30-minute drive from the city. You can ask your driver to wait there so you can also get back to the city.
There are some cafes and restaurants. The shakes and ice cream are especially good on hot days!
It's a shame there's no information about the statues, so you don't learn much about them. The "pumpkin" at the entrance was fun, but it's like a maze. You can reach the top, but be careful not to fall off. There's no railing.
The entrance fee is 60,000 kip for foreigners / 15.000 kip for locals."
Marco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from the Morning Market, hire a taxi (ask them to wait for your return trip!), or rent a scooter for a more adventurous journey. It's about a 25-30 minute drive from the city center.
Yes, parking is generally plentiful just outside the park grounds, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car or scooter.
While ride-sharing services are available in Vientiane, it's advisable to confirm availability for the trip to Buddha Park and arrange for your return journey in advance, as options might be limited.
Yes, you can take a bus from the Morning Market in Vientiane to reach Buddha Park, offering a budget-friendly transportation option.
If you plan to visit both Buddha Park Xieng Khuan in Vientiane and its sister park in Nong Khai, Thailand, consider arranging transport that can facilitate crossing the Friendship Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for foreigners is 60,000 Kip, while locals pay 15,000 Kip.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available, but the general admission fee is considered reasonable.
No, advance booking is generally not required. Visitors can purchase tickets upon arrival, and there were no reported wait times on a Wednesday morning.
The park is typically open during daylight hours, allowing visitors ample time to explore. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the sculptures and views.
The admission fee covers entry to the entire park, including the 'Giant Pumpkin' structure. There are no separate charges for exploring inside.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is famous for its hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, including a large Reclining Buddha and the iconic 'Giant Pumpkin' structure.
Yes, you can climb inside the 'Giant Pumpkin' structure to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of the park. Be cautious of the steep stairs and low railings.
The park is designed for walking and exploring its numerous statues. Comfortable footwear is recommended for navigating the grounds and climbing the 'Pumpkin'.
Yes, restroom facilities are available within the park grounds, ensuring visitor comfort during their visit.
While not always advertised, guided tours might be available. If you're interested in learning the detailed significance of each statue, it's worth inquiring upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a few cafes and restaurants located within the park grounds, offering refreshments and meals.
You can find a variety of options, including drinks, shakes, and ice cream, which are particularly enjoyable on hot days.
The cafes offer convenient options for snacks and drinks. For a full meal, you might consider dining in Vientiane before or after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but typical cafe offerings like fruit shakes and ice cream are usually suitable.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique 'Giant Pumpkin' from various angles, the impressive Reclining Buddha, and the multitude of diverse sculptures scattered throughout the park.
Yes, climbing to the top of the 'Giant Pumpkin' offers a unique vantage point for photos overlooking the entire park.
Morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more flattering illumination for your photos, avoiding harsh midday sun.
No specific restrictions on photography have been reported, allowing visitors to freely capture the park's unique art and architecture.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in public parks and attractions without prior authorization. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to keep a close eye on younger children, especially when climbing the 'Giant Pumpkin,' due to the steep stairs and low railings. The park also has cafes offering refreshments like shakes and ice cream, which can be a welcome treat on a warm day. Consider bringing water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own water and snacks can further reduce costs. While taxis are available, opting for the bus or a rented scooter (if experienced) offers significant savings. The park provides hours of exploration without needing to spend a lot of money once inside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Artistry of Xieng Khuan
One of the most striking features is the 'Giant Pumpkin' structure, a three-story concrete marvel that visitors can enter. Inside, steep stairs lead to the top, offering panoramic views of the park. However, travelers often note the lack of information about the specific meaning or stories behind each statue, making it more of an artistic exploration than an educational one. Despite this, the sheer visual impact and the peaceful atmosphere make it a memorable experience.
The park's location along the Mekong River adds to its charm. While it's a popular tourist spot, it retains a sense of tranquility, especially during off-peak hours. The blend of religious symbolism with surreal artistic expression makes Buddha Park a must-visit for anyone interested in unique cultural and artistic landscapes in Southeast Asia.
Navigating the 'Giant Pumpkin'
Reaching the top offers a rewarding experience, providing a unique vantage point to survey the entire sculpture park. However, visitors are frequently advised to exercise caution. The stairs can be quite steep, and the railings, while present, are often described as low or not entirely secure. Some reviews mention the structure feeling slightly slanted, adding to the need for careful footing. It's an adventure, but one that requires awareness of your surroundings.
Despite the cautionary notes, climbing the 'Giant Pumpkin' is a highlight for many visitors. It's a chance to experience the park from a different perspective and appreciate the intricate details of the artwork from above. Just remember to wear appropriate footwear and take your time as you ascend and descend.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit