Ho Phra Keo

Lost to time, yet eternally present, Ho Phra Keo whispers tales of devotion and resilience. Ho Phra Keo stands as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of Laotian history. Originally built in 1565 by King Setthathirath, Ho Phra Keo was more than just a temple. It was the royal chapel, a sanctuary for Laos’ most prized possession: the Emerald Buddha. Imagine the reverence that filled this space as the king himself came to worship. The Emerald Buddha, a symbol of divine protection, resided here for over two centuries. Tragically, in 1779, Siamese forces seized Vientiane, looting the Emerald Buddha and leaving Ho Phra Keo in ruins. The Emerald Buddha now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew, a constant reminder of this historical loss. But Ho Phra Keo’s story doesn’t end there. Rebuilt in 1816 by King Anouvong, it was tragically destroyed again in 1828 during another Siamese invasion. The temple you see today, resurrected by the French between 1936 and 1942, echoes the original design but with a 19th-century Bangkok architectural style. Ho Phra Keo has been transformed into a museum. It showcases Laos’ rich religious heritage. Inside, you’ll find stunning examples of Buddhist art. Stone Buddhas from the 6th to 9th centuries, bronze sculptures, and a wooden replica of the Phra Bang, another revered Laotian Buddha image. Admire the intricate carvings on the original wooden doors of the sim, the main ordination hall. Picture the ceremonies that once took place within these walls. The museum also houses a gilded throne, intended for the Emerald Buddha, Khmer stone steles, wood carvings, and ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Outside, in the serene gardens, you’ll find a 2,000-year-old stone jar, a relic from the Plain of Jars, connecting Ho Phra Keo to an even more ancient past. Ho Phra Keo stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Laos, a place where history, art, and spirituality intertwine.