Haw Phra Kaew, Buddhist temple and museum in Vientiane, Laos
Haw Phra Kaew is a temple and museum in Vientiane featuring stone construction with detailed carved walls and Naga sculptures framing the entrance. The interior holds Buddha statues, bronze drums, stone inscriptions, and ancient Buddhist texts on palm leaves that show religious practices over centuries.
The temple was built in 1565 by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha, one of Buddhism's most sacred objects. In 1779 Siamese forces moved this celebrated statue away, marking a turning point in the region's spiritual history.
The name Haw Phra Kaew means House of the Emerald Buddha and reflects its central role in local Buddhist practice. Visitors can observe how the spaces serve prayer and devotion today, with artworks that show the religious life of Laos.
The site welcomes visitors during daylight hours, which helps when looking at carved details and religious artworks. It is best to arrive earlier in the day to explore the spaces with fewer people and see all the intricate work clearly.
An ancient stone jar from the Plain of Jars, roughly 2000 years old, sits in the landscaped grounds and brings together different archaeological periods of Laos. This surprising discovery shows how various moments in history meet at this location.
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