The Kingdom of Laos – the country of Buddhism – the friendly and intimate country, which is famous for “The land of A million Elephants” is a painting of many festivals and temples. Coming to the Kingdom of Laos, you will be attracted by the peaceful life, slowly alternating the ancient atmosphere, the sacred temple. Referring to the temple we cannot overlook Wat Ho Phra Keo in the capital Vientiane.
Laos has about 1500 temples, Vientianes has several hundred temples and Wat Ho Phra Keo is considered as the most ancient and important temple of Laos which is formerly known as a place for praying.
The temple was built in 1565 under the reign of Setthathirat after he ascended the throne as a place of preservation and protection of the jade Buddha statue and royal place of prayer. In the temple, people worship Wat Ho Phra Keo Buddha statue. This was once occupied by Siamese troops, and in 1779 Wat Ho Phra Keo Buddha was stolen by Siamese soldiers. By 1828, the temple was fully flattened. From 1936 to 1942, Souvanna Phouma rebuilt the temple, Souvanna Phouma was the first prime minister of Laos.
(Source: the internet)
Wat Ho Phra Keo Temple is a unique architecture, feature traditional culture of the Lao people. Wat Ho Phra Keo Temple is built on stone foundation, running along the stairs are two stone dragon carved elaborately to the small architecture of Laos. At present, visitors to the pagoda will see the statues of Buddha with many different materials such as copper, terracotta, stone … carved in the Lao style, very sharp but elegant. The more special will make visitors enjoy the Buddha statue around the temple carries the beauty of the face, different facial expressions that makes the variety and unique for this temple. Take a deep look at the hidden soul contained within each of these works. Besides, these statues are also gilded in some places such as: head, stomach, chest … with the idea of protecting and blessing the Lao people have a life of prosperity.
If you like a peaceful place, there are no skyscrapers, crowded commercial areas, boulevards blazing with lights, but rather the quietness of a simple life with the park blended in green shady, the roads filled by the shadow of the monk, the temple roof hidden behind the tree; then Wat Ho Phra Keo will make you surprise and enjoy.
– Visting hours: Everyday, from 08:00 am to 12:00 am and 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm.
– Location: on the corner of Thanon Setthathilath and Thanon Mahosot.
Explore more article: Cope Center; Wat Sisaket; Wat Si Muang; That Dam (Black stupa); Buddha Park; Phou Khao Khouay National Park; That Luang stupa; Patuxai monument; Laos National museum; Laos Textile museum
