Full-day Vientiane tour: Temples, Patuxai and Buddha Park

Six thousand Buddha images, a golden stupa, a Paris-inspired gate and a park of mythological statues in one day

A full-day guided tour of Vientiane covers the capital's revered temples and monuments, starting with Wat Sisaket (the oldest monastery, lined with 6,840 Buddha images in niches and on shelves), then moving through Haw Phra Kaew (a former royal temple now housing Buddhist sculpture), the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, and the Patuxai victory gate modeled after the Arc de Triomphe. After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour heads outside the city to Buddha Park, a religious site filled with Buddhist and mythological animal statues built in the 1950s. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with an English-speaking guide throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Wat Sisaket1h · entry included
2. Haw Phra Kaew1h · entry included
3. Pha That Luang1h · entry included
4. Patuxai45m
5. Buddha Park1h 30m · entry included

Explore Vientiane and Buddha Park

• Hotel pick-up in Vientiane
• Visit Wat Sisaket monastery
• Tour Ho Phra Keo museum
• See That Luang golden stupa
• View Patuxai victory gate
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Buddha Park statues
• Stop at Talat Sao market
• Return to hotel

The experience

The day starts at Wat Sisaket, where the oldest monastery in Vientiane has survived in its original form while every other temple in the capital underwent major renovation. The main hall and courtyard walls hold 6,840 Buddha images in small niches and on shelves, alongside remarkable frescoes that line the space. From there you move to Haw Phra Kaew, the former royal temple now serving as a museum of Buddhist art and sculpture. It once housed the Emerald Buddha before it was taken to Bangkok in 1778, and the finest Buddha sculptures found in the country still fill its rooms.

Pha That Luang comes next: the golden stupa in its characteristic banana flower shape is the most revered shrine in Laos. Then you reach Patuxai, the victory gate built in 1958 with architecture inspired by the Arc de Triomphe but incorporating Lao motifs including the Kinnaree, a mythical bird-woman. Climbing to the top is optional and rewards you with a panoramic view from Vientiane's highest point. After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour heads outside the city to Buddha Park, constructed by a monk in the 1950s and now one of the country's main religious sites: the park fills with Buddhist and mythological animal statues, offering plenty of photo moments.

A short stop at Talat Sao, the central market, rounds out the afternoon if time allows before you return to your hotel by 4 pm. The air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver handle all transport, and all entrance fees are covered. Wear comfortable shoes since you'll remove them at temples and religious sites (your guide will tell you where in advance), and bring sunglasses, a hat and high-SPF sunblock even on cloudy days.

What’s included

• All entrance fees to Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew, Pha That Luang, Buddha Park and Talat Sao.
• transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• hotel pickup and drop-off within the city center.
• a full-day English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Asian Trails LTD

Is this one for you?This is a private tour with a dedicated guide and driver, so the pace stays relaxed and you move through the sites without waiting for a group to assemble. It suits travelers who want the main temples and monuments of Vientiane covered in a single day without arranging their own transport or navigating between sites.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is inside Wat Sisaket that makes it different from other temples in Vientiane?

Wat Sisaket is the oldest monastery in Vientiane and the only one that has survived in its original form. The main hall and courtyard walls contain 6,840 Buddha images resting in small niches and on shelves, alongside remarkable frescoes. All other temples in the capital have undergone extensive renovations.

Can I climb to the top of Patuxai and see the city from there?

Yes, climbing to the top of Patuxai is optional. The monument sits at Vientiane's highest point and offers a panoramic view of the capital from the top.

What is Buddha Park and why is it outside the city?

Buddha Park is a religious site constructed by a monk in the 1950s in the outskirts of Vientiane and designated as one of the country's main religious sites. It is filled with Buddhist and mythological animal statues related to Buddhism, making it a distinct destination from the temples within the city center.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary requirements?

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour. The operator makes efforts to accommodate dietary requirements, though confirmation in advance may not always be possible depending on the restaurant's menu choices.

Do I need to remove my shoes at any of the sites?

Yes, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering temples and religious sites to respect local customs. Your guide will inform you in advance which sites require this.

What time does the tour return to my hotel?

The tour returns to your hotel by 4 pm after a full day of sightseeing in and around Vientiane.