Ho Phrakeo Museum

I learned that the Emerald Buddha statue at Wat Phra Kaew in Thailand was once located here. If you're not interested in history, you might just think of a few small Buddha statues and pass by, but the Emerald Buddha statue is an important symbol, and knowing its history makes visiting Laos much more meaningful. Knowing the rituals or history of a country makes the journey more meaningful. Understanding its culture and people enhances the travel experience. The entrance fee for foreigners is 30,000 kip, approximately $1.50. If you see red and white banners, it means that foreigners can also visit. Not every museum or historical building is open to foreigners. Taking photos inside is prohibited.

No photography allowed inside for some unknown reason, so we cannot share the culturally significant statues inside. All around the outside of the temple are interesting statues we can appreciate, however. The museum is very small, just one room, and the entire place takes only about 15 minutes to see. This place will not be extraordinarily interesting for the casual visitor.

It’s a pretty small place, but it holds a lot of ancient artifacts and items related to Buddhism. You can really sense the history and cultural value once you step inside. The atmosphere is calm and respectful, and it’s quite interesting to see how these old objects have been preserved over the years. Just like at Wat Sisaket, the entrance fee is 30,000 kip for foreigners, while locals only pay 5,000 kip. The price difference is quite noticeable, and although I understand that the fee helps with maintenance and preservation, I personally feel that 30,000 kip might be a bit too high for what you actually get to see. The place itself is quite small, so you can finish your visit in a short time. That said, the artwork and decorations are truly beautiful. From the detailed carvings to the painted walls that tell Buddhist stories. If you’re someone who appreciates historical art or religious sites, you’ll definitely find some things worth admiring here. However, if you’ve already visited larger or more famous temples, you might find this one a bit underwhelming in comparison. Overall, it’s a nice and peaceful spot with beautiful ancient pieces, but I would say it’s not entirely worth the 30,000 kip entrance fee for foreigners.

A temple now converted into a museum that house the emerald buddha of Laos. Admission is 30,000 LAK for foreigners. Open only from 10:00 to 17:00. Best time to visit is at 16:00 when the sun is setting.

For me, if I had to choose three venues in Vientiane which must be vIsited, I'd choose here, Wat Sisaket (opposite), and Patuxay. This is such a compact venue, that if you are in tourist mode it's easy to miss its charm and importance. I love how they dont allow photography or videography inside or on the exterior because that makes you approach this temple/museum in a more serene, analogue way and that's how you get the most out of it. The main chamber is packed full of glass cases displaying a vast array of buddhist statues and associated paraphenalia. View slowly and be sure not to miss a thing. Be sure to go out of the rear of the chamber too, as there are numerous artefacts out the back. In summation, a wonderful place to visit, nice grounds to stroll through too. Only one suggestion; as we cannot photograph (no problem), how about selling postcards of the artefacts inside, and how about selling a book too? The only postcards on sale were generic ones available everywhere.

Ho Phra Keo Monumental Museum is one of the most beautiful and historically important landmarks in Vientiane. I visited recently, and it turned out to be one of my favorite cultural experiences in Laos. Located right in the heart of the city, near Wat Sisaket and the Presidential Palace, this site offers a quiet escape from the busy streets outside. The moment you step through the gate, the atmosphere becomes peaceful, spiritual, and full of history. The museum was originally built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha, which is now kept in Bangkok. Even though the original statue is gone, the temple itself remains a masterpiece of Lao architecture and faith. The main hall is truly stunning, with its tall wooden roof, golden trim, and elegant Naga serpent stairways. The detailed carvings on the doors and windows show the incredible craftsmanship of that era. Every corner of this temple tells a story of devotion and cultural pride. Inside the museum, you’ll find a small but fascinating collection of ancient artifacts. There are beautiful Buddha statues made of bronze, stone, and wood — each from different periods and regions of Laos. Some of them are centuries old, yet still carry a powerful spiritual energy. You can also see ancient manuscripts, ceramics, and traditional ornaments that highlight the deep Buddhist influence in Lao history. Information boards are provided in both Lao and English, making it easy for visitors to understand the background and importance of each piece. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained. The garden area surrounding the main hall is peaceful, full of shady trees and blooming flowers. It’s the perfect spot to sit quietly, take photos, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere. The environment feels spiritual but not overly touristy — ideal for travelers who enjoy meaningful cultural experiences rather than just sightseeing. The entrance fee is very reasonable: 30,000 Kip for foreigners and 5,000 Kip for local visitors. The ticket counter staff are polite and helpful, and they maintain the premises very well. The temple area is clean, organized, and well preserved. I suggest visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and to catch the best light for photos. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes here exploring at your own pace. Overall, Ho Phra Keo Monumental Museum is not just a tourist spot; it’s a window into Laos’s royal and spiritual heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, or architecture. The serenity of this place, combined with its historical value, makes it truly special. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this is a destination you shouldn’t miss while in Vientiane.

This is a former royal temple of King Setthathirat, is located in the center of the capital city Vientiane. It was built initially in 1565 as a Buddhist temple by King Xayasetthathilath to house the Emerald Buddha as his personal place of worship. It was reconstructed in 1936 and was converted from a place of worship into a museum. It now houses the finest national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts.

30k to enter. Nice history with this place. Doesn't take long to see as it's small. If not interested in the emerald Buddha statue history you can skip