How to Get to Buddha Park by Bus from Vientiane

When I visited Vientiane in 2018, I wanted to work out how to get to Buddha Park by bus.

It sounded simple enough – but finding reliable information about which bus to catch and where to find it wasn’t quite so easy.

We eventually worked it out and caught Bus #14 from Vientiane to Buddha Park. It was cheap, straightforward and a great way to see a little more of local life along the way.

The good news is that Bus #14 is still running. I’ve updated the practical information in this guide for 2026, while keeping my own experience of making the trip in 2018.

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Buddha Park by Bus: Quick Guide

Here’s what you need to know:

• Bus: #14
• Leaves from: Vientiane Central Bus Station, near Talat Sao
• Fare: Around 18,000 kip each way
• Journey time: Around 45–60 minutes
• Route: Via the Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge
• Where to get off: Right outside Buddha Park
• Return bus: Across the road from the park entrance
• Frequency: Generally around every 20–30 minutes during the day, although schedules can change

There’s no need to buy a ticket in advance. Get on the bus and pay the fare on board.

Where to Catch Bus #14 in Vientiane

Bus #14 to Buddha Park leaves from Vientiane Central Bus Station, near Talat Sao (the Morning Market) in central Vientiane.

When I made this trip in 2018, the bus station felt busy and a little chaotic. There were some surprisingly useful route signs, but finding Bus #14 wasn’t quite as straightforward.

We eventually discovered it parked outside the main station and around the corner.

That information is now out of date. More recent reports indicate that Bus #14 departs from within the Central Bus Station itself.

Look for Bus #14 and Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan on the route information. If you’re unsure, ask someone at the station for the bus to Buddha Park.

When we boarded, no one asked us to buy a ticket, which initially had me wondering whether we’d missed something. Once the bus was underway, someone came along the aisle collecting fares. Simple!

What the Bus Journey to Buddha Park Is Like

Allow around 45–60 minutes for the journey, although traffic and stops can make it longer.

The bus heads out of Vientiane towards the Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge, which crosses the Mekong between Laos and Thailand.

When we did this trip, the bus headed straight towards the border crossing. I hadn’t brought my passport, so there was a brief moment when I wondered if we’d somehow ended up on a bus to Thailand!

Don’t panic if the same thing happens to you. Bus #14 stops near the Friendship Bridge before continuing towards Buddha Park. You aren’t crossing the border and don’t need your passport for this trip.

Beyond the Friendship Bridge, the journey gives you a glimpse of life away from central Vientiane – one of the things I enjoyed about taking the local bus rather than a tour.

The bus stops right outside Buddha Park, so there’s no complicated final walk. If you’re worried about missing your stop, tell the driver or conductor you’re going to Buddha Park.

Getting Back to Vientiane

Getting back is even easier.

The Bus #14 stop is directly across the road from the Buddha Park entrance. When I visited, there was even a proper “Bus Stop” sign.

Catch Bus #14 back towards Vientiane and pay on board.

I wouldn’t leave your return journey until the very end of the day. Timetables and frequencies can change, so give yourself plenty of time rather than relying on catching the last bus.

About Buddha Park

Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, is a sculpture park on the banks of the Mekong River, around 25km from central Vientiane.

Despite the name, it isn’t filled only with Buddhas. There are more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues, including deities, demons, mythical creatures and a huge reclining Buddha.

The park was created in 1958 by Bunleua Sulilat, a spiritual teacher whose beliefs combined elements of Buddhism and Hinduism. That explains the unusual mix of figures throughout the park.

One of the most distinctive sculptures is the huge dome-like structure near the entrance. It looks a little like a giant pumpkin, and you can enter through its mouth and climb through the different levels before emerging at the top.

The stairs are steep, narrow and uneven, so this isn’t one to tackle if you’re uncomfortable with confined spaces or aren’t steady on your feet. There have also been recent reports of signage advising visitors over 50 not to climb it.

I climbed to the top during my visit and the view across Buddha Park was fantastic.

At the other end of the park you’ll find the enormous reclining Buddha, along with plenty of smaller statues to wander between.

There’s also a restaurant where we stopped for a cheap meal and a beer overlooking the Mekong – a nice place for a break before catching the bus back to Vientiane.

Buddha Park Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

Buddha Park is generally open daily from 8am to 5pm.

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is currently reported as 60,000 kip. Prices can change, so treat this as a guide and have a little extra cash with you.

Allow around one to two hours to explore. It’s not a huge site, but you’ll want time to wander between the sculptures, take photos and perhaps stop for something to eat or drink.

Buddha Park isn’t a working temple, but many of the sculptures have religious significance, so dress and behave respectfully during your visit.

Rather Take a Tour to Buddha Park?

Taking Bus #14 is cheap and relatively easy, but it’s not your only option.

Several Vientiane tours include Buddha Park along with sights such as Patuxay, Pha That Luang and Wat Sisaket.

A tour also gives you a guide who can explain the stories and symbolism behind some of the park’s more unusual Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.

There are half-day and full-day options, with many including hotel pick-up in Vientiane.

Here’s one tour you might like →

For me, the local bus was part of the experience and I’d happily choose it again. But if you’re short on time or would rather have someone else handle the logistics, a tour is an easy alternative.

More Things to Do in Vientiane

If you’re planning more time in the Lao capital, take a look at my Things to Do in Vientiane guide for temples, monuments and other places worth adding to your itinerary.

Read next: Things to Do in Vientiane →

Is It Worth Taking the Bus to Buddha Park?

Absolutely. If you’re comfortable using local public transport, Bus #14 is an easy and very affordable way to visit Buddha Park independently.

When I made the trip in 2018, the hardest part was working out where to catch the bus. Once we were aboard, it was surprisingly straightforward – even with that brief moment of wondering why we appeared to be heading for Thailand!

Buddha Park is unusual, interesting and easily visited in half a day from Vientiane. For me, taking the local bus was part of the experience.

So don’t overthink it. Find Bus #14, pay your fare on board and enjoy the ride.

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