How to get to Buddha Park by Bus

When I first tried to visit Buddha Park by bus, I struggled to find clear information online. Every guide seemed vague, and I worried about missing the right stop or getting on the wrong bus entirely.

I knew there had to be a simpler way, so after some trial and error, I figured out the easiest route.

This complete guide will show you exactly how to get the bus to Buddha Park Vientiane step-by-step, covering what to expect, where to catch the bus, and how much it costs, so you don’t have to deal with the same confusion I did.

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About Buddha Park

But first, what is Buddha Park? Located about 25km out of Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River, It’s a small sculpture park filled with lots of Buddhist statues of all shapes and sizes.

It includes a huge reclining Buddha and, strangely, it also includes many Hindu figures.

Also known as Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, it was built in 1958 by Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who had studied both Buddhism and Hinduism, explaining the unusual combination of statues.

Xieng Khuan means Spirit City, a name it received because the park’s numerous statues depict various deities, demons, and mythical creatures from Buddhist and Hindu traditions, representing a spiritual realm that blends both religions’ beliefs and folklore.

Along with the reclining Buddha, one of the other big sculptures is a dome-like structure (think giant pumpkin!) that can be entered and climbed, with great opportunities for photos over the whole park from the top.

There is also a narrow pyramid-like structure at the opposite end of the park in the trees, and some fantastic many-armed statues of all kinds.

There is a restaurant on site for a delicious, cheap meal, or perhaps a break to relax with a beer overlooking the mighty Mekong River.

The Buddha Park entrance fees for foreigners are 40 000 kip ($2.70 AUD/$1.84USD) and the park is open every day from 8am to 5pm.

Remember as always when visiting religious sites to dress and behave respectfully.

How to Get to Buddha Park Vientiane

After asking a lot of questions, then some trial and error, we were able to work out how to go to Buddha Park from Vientiane by bus.

The Buddha Park, Vientiane bus leaves from the central bus station in the centre of Vientiane located just behind Talat Sao Shopping Mall.

The Vientiane bus station is busy and chaotic, and when you arrive it will all seem like a jumble. If you have travelled a lot in Asia before, this will be no surprise!

You will find though, some of the best information signs I have seen in an Asian bus station, to help you get around the city.

What may not be exactly clear from the sign, is where to find the number 14 bus that you need to get on.

We found it parked across the road and around the corner, where the red marker is on the below map.

There were no parking bays as depicted above, just parked on the side of the road near a whole pile of food stands and little shops.

If you still cannot find the bus, ask some of the locals. It may take one or two goes to get someone who speaks English, but most people will happily help you.

I couldn’t find information on exactly how often the bus goes, but a couple of locals said three to four times an hour, so I guess they go every fifteen to twenty minutes. We waited about ten minutes for the bus to leave.

Once you find the bus, jump on! No one will ask for a ticket or stop you or try to sell you a ticket.

But don’t worry, at some time after the bus leaves, someone will come along the aisle asking for payment. Hand over 18 000 kip ($1.22AUD/$0.83USD) and sit back to enjoy the ride.

EDIT: One of my readers has commented below that as of July 2023 the bus departed from the main station and not around the corner.

The first part of the trip from Vientiane to Buddha Park is on good roads that lead to the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong which is the Laos/Thái border crossing.

The bus headed straight for the Thailand border crossing, and at this point, I was starting to worry as I didn’t have my passport with me.

The bus doesn’t cross though, just drops off right near the border and turns around, going back out to the main road.

From here on the road is a little rough, but you get a good look at how some more rural people live in Laos.

The bus terminates just past Buddha Park, turns around then starts the return journey. Your bus driver will also probably tell you where to get off.

You are literally dropped off right at the gate of the park, so no wandering around looking for it.

Getting Back to Vientiane

The bus stop for the return journey is just as easy to find. It is literally across the road from the gates to Buddha Park.

There seems to be a concession to the tourist, and there is actually a sign that says “Bus Stop”. It’s exactly the same process to get the bus back into Vientiane.

Too hard? Click here to book a day tour that includes Buddha Park

FAQs for Visiting Buddha Park by Bus

1. How do I get to Buddha Park by bus from Vientiane?
You can take Bus #14 from the central bus station in Vientiane. The bus departs regularly throughout the day and stops right at the entrance of Buddha Park. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

2. How much does the bus to Buddha Park cost?
The bus fare is approximately 18,000 LAK (around 0.85 USD) one way, making it the most affordable option for reaching the park.

3. How often does Bus #14 run?
Bus #14 runs every 30 minutes during the day, starting from early morning until late afternoon. However, schedules may vary, so it’s best to check locally if you’re visiting in the evening or during holidays.

4. Where is the bus station located in Vientiane?
The main bus station, where you can catch Bus #14 to Buddha Park, is located near the Talat Sao Shopping Mall. You can ask for the “Morning Market Bus Station” if you’re unsure.

5. Do I need exact change for the bus fare?
It’s a good idea to have small bills or exact change for the fare, as bus drivers often do not have change for larger denominations.

6. Is it safe to take the bus to Buddha Park?
Yes, taking the bus to Buddha Park is generally safe and a popular option among both locals and travellers. Just be mindful of your belongings, as you would on any public transportation.

7. What should I expect during the bus ride?
The ride offers a glimpse into local life and rural scenery as you leave Vientiane. It may get crowded, especially during peak hours, so be prepared for a bit of a squeeze if you’re travelling at those times.

8. What time should I leave Buddha Park to catch the last bus back?
It’s recommended to leave Buddha Park by around 4:00 PM to ensure you catch one of the last buses back to Vientiane, as the buses run less frequently in the late afternoon.

9. Are there any other attractions nearby to visit by bus?
Yes, the Friendship Bridge, connecting Laos and Thailand, is along the same bus route. You can easily make a quick stop there before or after visiting Buddha Park.

10. Can I take luggage or large bags on the bus?
Space on the bus is limited, so it’s best to bring only small backpacks or bags. If you have larger luggage, consider leaving it at your accommodation.

Going Elsewhere?

Our plan when we returned to Vientiane was to get a tuktuk to That Luang Tai temple to see the golden stupa, but after seeing how easy the bus was to catch, we got a bus instead.

This trip was even cheaper, so it really is cheap to get around if you can utilise the local buses.

Using the routemap sign above and Google Maps, it looks easy to transfer from the airport to the city centre too.

Looking for More Things To Do?

Click here to read my post Things to do in Vientiane

Read about what we got up to during our visit to both Luang Prabang and Vientiane Laos by clicking through to my post here.

Get some more ideas from below, or click through to see all the tours and activities offered in Vientiane.

What About Somewhere To Stay?

We stayed at the S Park Design Hotel which was fantastic. The only downside was that it was about 2km away from the centre of town.

It was possible to walk (and we did, more than once), but if you want to be right amongst the action this is not the place.

I always find great deals for accommodation on Booking.com. Remember, many places offer cancellation without penalty, so there is no risk if you change your mind.

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