Best time to visit Laos

Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park in Laos

Buddhist and Hindu gods and deities gather in Spirit City near Vientiane

Best time: October–April

Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park
Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park
Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park
Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park

Laos is a highly religious country, but almost a third of its population share both Buddhist and shamanist beliefs. One of the most interesting and thrilling embodiments of this is Buddha Park. It​ is both a park and a temple, as it contains about 200 sacred images of Buddhist and Hindu deities and gods. Buddha Park, called Xieng Khuan, was built in 1958 by a monk and his students who were interested in both religions.

Xieng Khuan means Spirit City, which truly describes how a visitor may perceive this place. There are various sculptures of sacred animals, small and gigantic Buddha images, a four-armed and twelve-faced deity, a three-headed elephant, and much much more. The most prominent is a huge 40-meter long statue of reclining Buddha and an enormous pumpkin with a demon head on top and three levels representing Heaven, Earth, and Hell.

Sad but true, this park is being slowly destroyed due to frequent floodings of the Mekong River, which undermi​ne the stone and also prevents access for visitors. So, if you want to see the Spirit City of Laos, the best time is the dry season with cool temperatures between October and February.

Practical info

What types of sculptures can be found in Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan in Laos?

Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan exhibits many sculptures such as sacred animals, images of small and large Buddha, a four-armed, twelve-faced deity, a three-headed elephant, and others. There is also a gigantic pumpkin whose top displays the head of a demon divided into three levels representing Heaven, Earth, and Hell. Show more

What is the most prominent sculpture at Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan in Laos?

The most fammed sculpture in Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan is a colossal statue of reclining Buddha spanning over 40 meters, located in the heart of the park. This sculpture is known for its serenity and composure and is also a famous spot among tourists for clicking photographs. Show more

Why is Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan a special attraction for locals and tourists alike in Laos?

Both residents and tourists consider Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan special for its blend of sacred sculptures from Hinduism and Buddhism in one park and temple. This park and temple demonstrate the religious harmony and diversity of Laos. In addition, visitors can appreciate the delightful view of the Mekong River while touring the park. Show more

What is the best time to visit the Spirit City of Laos - Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan?

To have a lasting experience, the ideal time to visit Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan is the dry season, November to March. It is also reasonable to examine the park during these months because of the colder climate. The temple and park may, however, be closed during the rainy season because its proximity to the Mekong river makes it prone to flooding. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin