Introduction

Haw Phra Kaew, also known as Ho Phra Keo, is an attraction located in the capital of Laos, Vientiane. Formerly one of Laos’ most highly renowned temples, it was a significant symbol of Laos' cultural heritage. Now converted into a museum, it houses the Emerald Buddha, one of Lao’s most sacred Buddhist relics, along with a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts.

Haw Phra Kaew

Haw Phra Kaew (Cre: Adobe Stocks)

History of Haw Phra Kaew

Haw Phra Kaew was constructed in 1565 by King Setthathirath when he relocated the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom to Vientiane. The temple was constructed as a royal temple for the Laotian monarchy and to house the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered Buddhist image. The Emerald Buddha remained enshrined in Haw Phra Kaew until 1779 when it was taken by Siamese forces to Thailand. The sacred statue was installed in Wat Phra Kaew on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where it remains to this day. 

The Haw Phra Kaew faced significant devastation in 1827 when Siamese armies invaded Vientiane, destroying the temple. Following this, the Thai king, a devout Buddhist, commissioned the creation of an identical statue to replace the original Emerald Buddha. This replica was returned to Laos as a gesture of goodwill. Despite this, losing the original Emerald Buddha marked a significant and sorrowful moment in the temple's history. 

Over the years, Haw Phra Kaew has been rebuilt and restored several times. The most recent reconstruction occurred in 1942 under French colonial rule, resulting in the structure that stands today.

What to see at Haw Phra Kaew

Haw Phra Keo is a site with unique architecture in Laos, built on a stone foundation. The structure above the foundation is impressively carved and decorated, with intricate designs on the walls, columns, and ceiling. Stone dragons are carved along the stairs leading up to the pagoda, and the windows and doors are adorned with statues of the goddess Apsara. Inside, there are also detailed elements and motifs. The pagoda is decorated with bronze Buddha statues, and the surrounding gardens are beautifully maintained as well.

Stone dragons carved along the stairs to Haw Phra Kaew

Stone dragons carved along the stairs to Haw Phra Kaew (Cre: Viet Laos)

The main hall

The main hall of Haw Phra Kaew, also known as the sim, has a large, multi-level roof decorated with Naga finials and a central "Dok so faa" ornament. The stairs to the main and side entrances feature mythological Naga snakes, with their heads facing away from the temple and their bodies running along the railings toward it. The detailed roof above the entrance shows Buddhist scenes and includes a gold-colored image of the three-headed elephant, Erawan, set against a red background.

Exhibits

Having been converted into a museum, Phra Keo Pagoda is now both a place for Buddhists to worship and a large museum that houses many Buddhist exhibits for tourists to come and witness. Information signs about the temple and its exhibits are provided in both French and Laotian.

There is a gilded throne for the Emerald Buddha, Khmer stone steles, wood carvings, a bronze frog drum, and Buddhist manuscripts written on palm leaves, along with other objects made of gold, silver, and jade. Haw Phra Kaew also features many valuable artifacts, including a throne, a Khmer Buddha statue, several wood sculptures, and stone-carved texts related to Buddhism. These rare items can be considered Laos’ national treasures. 

In the yard of the museum, there is also one of the huge stone jars found on the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang province, northern Laos.

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Gallery with Buddha images

Today, you can see many Buddha statues made from various materials like bronze, stone, and terracotta at Haw Phra Keo. These statues are carved in the Lao style, known for its sharp and elegant details. The Buddha statues around the pagoda each have different expressions, making them unique and diverse. Each statue's essence is captured successfully, making it the most striking feature. Some statues have gold plating on important parts like the head, chest, and abdomen. These statues are believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the Lao people. There is also a wooden replica of Phra Bang, the sacred symbol of Laos. 

Buddha Statues at Haw Phra Kaew

Buddha Statues at Haw Phra Kaew (Cre: Laos Tours by duration)

How to get to Haw Phra Kaew

Haw Phra Kaew is located at the intersection of Setthathirath Road and Mahasot Road, next to the Presidential Palace and across from Wat Si Saket in Vientiane's old town center. It is within walking distance of many local attractions.

  • Tuk-Tuks: A common way to get around Vientiane is by tuk-tuks. A tuk-tuk ride from downtown Vientiane will cost approximately 20,000 Kip (0,91 USD), depending on your bargaining skills and the distance.
  • Bicycle: An enjoyable way to get to Haw Phra Kaew is by renting a bicycle, which costs around 10,000 Kip (0,46 USD) per day.

How to get to Haw Phra Kaew

How to get to Haw Phra Kaew (Cre: Laos Tours by duration)

Some tips on visiting Haw Phra Kaew

  • Opening hours: 8 am until 12 am and from 1 pm until 4 pm.
  • Admission fee: 5,000 Kip (0.23 USD) per person.

Haw Phra Kaew is a very sacred site, so when visiting, you should note a few things as follows:

  • Women should wear long pants or long skirts when visiting the temple. In case you do not have pants or a long skirt, you can borrow a Lao dress (also known as a Lao Sinh) at the main entrance area of ​​the temple.
  • Before entering the temple, remember to leave your shoes outside.
  • Photography is not permitted inside the complex.

Women should wear Lao dress when visiting Haw Phra Kaew

Women should wear Lao dress when visiting Haw Phra Kaew (Cre: Viet Laos)

In conclusion, Haw Phra Kaew, with its resilient history, intricate architecture, and central location in Vientiane makes it a compelling destination for visitors exploring Laos' spiritual and cultural traditions. If you wish to visit Haw Phra Kaew along with other attractions in Vientiane, don’t hesitate to contact Asia King Travel. We will assist you in planning your visit, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience of Laos' cultural heritage.

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