There is an interesting narrative that links this temple with วัดพระแก้ว in Bangkok, which is probably why this site is so popular. The “museum” aspect is limited to a small collection of artifacts inside, but it’s an interesting stop while exploring Vientiane. 30,000 kip entry fee for foreigners.

Arrived at 8am but temple was not opened on time. 5 minutes later we paid 30k entrance fee, but the main temple shrine was not opened as staff was a little late. One of the oldest temple, built in the 1500's. Not spectacular as there is little to see. Only significant fact is the temple was once the home of Emerald (Jade) Buddha for over 200 years before it was taken home to Siam. Temple reconstructions were done as the original temple was damaged during the war btw Siam n Laos kingdoms. Can be given a miss as there are other beautiful temples in VTE or if you are rushed for time. Try colourful Wat Si Muang, free entrance n service.

This was formerly a temple, and was built when the capital of Laos changed from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The Emerald Buddha, for which this temple was built to house it, is now in the Grand Palace of Bangkok. It is now a museum since the late 1990s, instead of a religious temple. The main attraction is the temple / museum which houses multiple Buddha statues and ancient artefacts. No photos are allowed in the museum so one must appreciate it there and then. Apart from that, there’s nothing much else to look at. It is mainly a piece of historical significance. The temple / museum itself is ornately decorated, and is very beautiful when viewed from afar. The garden has been meticulously landscaped and maintained. Overall, it is a very nice attraction. Tickets for foreigners costs 30.000 kip per person, which is quite steep for an attraction with not much to offer.

Haw Phra Kaew was built in 1565–1566 on the orders of King Setthathirath after he moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The temple was built on the grounds of the royal palace to house the Emerald Buddha figurine, which Setthathirath had brought from Chiang Mai, then the capital of Lanna, to Luang Prabang. The temple was used as Setthathirath's personal place of worship, and because of this, there were no resident monks in this temple unlike other temples in Laos.

Was home to the emerald budha originally from India that was hidden in Shri lanka then given as a gift to Lao country and taken to Siam ( Bangkok ) during war.

One of the many gorgeous temples in Vientiane. Tickets are 30,000kip per person in most of the pagodas and temples around town. No photos or videos inside and no shoes.

It's a nice small place. The building looks good and you can walk around outside the small area. You had to leave the shoes on the bottom of the steps and you were not allowed to take pictures. Sorry but for me that is clashing because why leave everything at the door and even then you can't take pictures of the sculptures and historical relics in the inside. Still don't get it...and of course I'll always respect that but still only three stars for me.

This was King Setthathirat's royal temple for the magical Emerald Buddha (''pha kaew'') when it was brought from Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was taken back in 1779 to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. This temple was destroyed in 1828 and rebuilt in 1942. It's now a museum, with lovely gardens, and ornate exterior but a jumbled and "sad" mixture of Buddhist statues and artefacts. Such potential to make it a vibrant, historical tourist gem! No photographs allowed inside? Foreigner entry fee 1000kip.

Small museum and its still a value at the foreigner price. There is a second museum across the street amd both can be done quickly

Beautiful former temple which is now a museum. Meticulous garden landscaping and unbelievable detail in the structure, sculpture and surroundings.

This place tell me something in historic of Laos.

Very beautiful and grand. Proud for the Lao people who still maintain the place that shows the beauty of Lao culture and architecture. Love from Thai🇹🇭❤️🇱🇦

Honestly not worth visiting. Very limited collection of things to see. 30.000kip for foreigners

HOR PHA KEO MUSEUM Originally, this ancient temple was built in 1565 by King Sayasetthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha 1565-1779 (lost to the Siamese in 1828) as his personal place worship. It was later reconstructed in 1936. For this reason monks have not taken up residence here unlike other temples in Laos. During the 1970s the temple was converted from a place of worship into a museum and now houses the finest national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. From the terrace of Ho Pra Keo, one can enjoy a view overlooking the president’s Palace (former Royal Palace) and garden.

For a small entry fee, you can access the museum. Take it for what it is - a small collection of items where no photos are allowed BUT a gift shop on the way out of the temple building. Worth a look if you’re in the area

Situated on Setthathirath Road, Ho Pha Keo was constructed in 1565 by the great King Saysetthathirath of the Lane Xang Kingdom to house the Emerald Buddha after he had moved the capital from Xiengdong Xiengthong (present day Luang Prabang) to Vientiane in 1560 The Emerald Buddha stayed at Ho Pha Keo for 219 years (1560-1779).It was taken to Siam (present-day Thailand) in 1779 by King Taksin the Great during the reign of King Siribounyasan of Lane Xang.In 1987, Ho Pha Keo was converted to a museum and now houses a collection of artifacts and religious art.

Founded in 1565 it did house the emerald Buddha (now it’s located in Bangkok, Thailand); it stands next door to the presidential residence where once stood the royal palace, it was used for royal worship. Now it's a museum showing a collection of fine Lao images, carved wooden doors, Pali books and a seventeen century bronze image of the Lord Buddha sitting with his legs hanging down (rarely seen) inside the building. Don't miss the many Buddha images on the veranda.

This was the most enjoyable temple we saw. The gardens were spectacular and well maintained. The Temple is stunning. Must see in Laos.

Tickets are cheap 30,000kip. Ancient temple of Lane Xang period that was one of the great periods of Laos kingdoms. It was built to stored Emerald of Buddha. And now the museum keeps all items inside in the same old conditions even after renovation

A great range of art creations at this temple museum made live by the artist on the spot everyday! He's kind and charges reasonably for his creations. We got one and we are really happy with our decision.

Former temple that store the Preah Keo Buddha statue before got invaded and stolen by Siam army.

The temple that held the Emerald Buddha that is in Bangkok now. Very peaceful. There is an entrance fee.

Interesting place. Can be visited for a short duration.

Interesting collection inside the temple of well-preserved Lan Xang artifacts. Beautiful plot too. There is a risk of being stuck among tour groups, however it takes max 30minutes to see everything.

Another landmark worth the visit if you want to learn more about Lao history. No need to purchase tickets in advance as you can get them at the entrance there, but bring cash (Baht or Kip) as they won’t take other currencies or credit card. Also be wary that they enforce strict rules (shoes outside temple, no hats, no pictures) and most people going in are paying respects to Buddha. If that’s not your jam you can still observe without participating in offerings but be mindful of others who are. Otherwise worth spending 30 minutes to an hour here as this used to be the former home of the Emerald Buddha that now sits at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Not a big fan of having to pay a fee to enter temples. That said, this one is mainly of interest as it housed the Jade Buddha (now in the Grand Palace, Bangkok) for a few centuries. I always thought the Buddha came from Laos and was removed to Bangkok (and wondered why that wouldn’t cause some animosity between countries), but according to history it came from Northern Thailand, then it was taken to Laos, then it was taken back to Thailand.

A nice museum that shiws the paintings & the interiors of the era gone by. The display of the gifts received from different countries, including the moon rock from USA "mission moon" are intresting. The old Lincoln cars are also impressive.

Interesting Wat that has been turned into a museum. Many artefacts here from 17th to 20 th century, mostly small Buddhas. However, not much information to tell you anything about them or the history of the place, hence 4 stars. Opening times 8.00-17.00, entry fee 30000 kip.

Great temple, 30000 kip per person

The price for Laotians is 5k and for foreigners 30k. You can't take pictures inside and only a small room.

This is almost like a museum and has lots of historical values. Entrance fees applies. You can get to see lots of artefacts buddha cultures in this place. This place is open from 8 am to 4 pm.

Beautiful. Should be preserved and visited.

This is a one of beautiful temples. When come here, it will receive a good feeling and pray the old perfect buddhas which builded in the past!

Fantastic architecture. Wonderfull work till its smallest details. So colourful under the plain blue December sky.

Good place to visit. But don't take photos inside. This is small place to look around for 15 minutes.

Royal temple that once enshrined the Emerald Buddha image and the temple derives its name from this. The Haw Phra Kaew or Hophakaew Museum as it's referred to, was destroyed when the Siamese armies invaded Vientiane in 1827. Since then it has been rebuilt and restored several times; the current structure dates from 1942, when it was restored by the French. Worth a look if you're in the area.

Very interesting place. Be careful for heat. Don’t forget to bring bottles of water.