BUDDHA PARK (VAT XIENG KHUAN)

This green space, quite close to the Mekong, is home to concrete sculptures representing characters from Buddhist and Hindu mythology (Buddha, Shiva, Vishnu, Arjuna...). Although it is not a temple per se, the place is sometimes called Vat Xien Khuan because it contains many religious statues. These statues were built in 1958 by a monk named Bounleua Soulilat. The central piece of the composition is the large pumpkin with a gaping mouth that seems to invite to an unusual journey. This voluminous stone sphere represents the universe, where each floor symbolizes a distinct world, from hell to heaven. Inside the building, narrow staircases lead to the top floor open to the sky; the famous paradise offering a view of the entire garden. The other attraction in the park is a huge 40-metre-long statue of the reclining Buddha. This depiction shows him lying on his right flank, head on his elbow, peacefully waiting to enter nirvana. The place is dedicated to the protective genius of the city, but the aesthetics of these enormous concrete statues is not unanimous. His mission completed, the monk builder decided to move to Nong Khai to start a similar project again.

To get there, it is cheaper to take the bus than renting a scooter or taking a tuk-tuk. Bus No. 14 runs from Talat Sao (6,000 kips per person, one way, one hour trip).