Bat cave was a great experience… the bats were never ending! However, what I loved was climbing the mountain and seeing the beautiful view of BB from the top 🌅🌾 LOTS of people, we couldn’t get a PassApp back to our hotel as there were no drivers nearby.

Come in the evening for bats before the sunset. Has some places to drink and eat + night market. Not far from the Phnom Sampov temple and killing caves.

I didn’t stay until evening to see the bats, but the daytime visit was already beautiful! The Buddhist carvings and the giant Buddha statue on the mountain are really impressive and peaceful. The place feels calm with amazing natural scenery. It’s a nice spot to learn about local culture, take photos, and enjoy the view. I’ll come back again next time to see the bats flying out at sunset! 🌄

Saturday 11the October: Nice experience to sit and watch millions of bat's exit the cave at dusk It does get busy around the seats in front of the caves with tourists and locals Still plenty of space to enjoy nature at it's finest, well worth the visit.

If you want to see the bat cave in Battambang, here you go! Thousands of bat flying out at the evening! You can also take a car riding to the mountain just around 2.5$-3$ per person! Local food selling around that too..

Great to see all the bats flying out of the caves - there’s a few bars around that you can sit at and watch them come out (get there earlier to get a seat). You don’t need to book in advance, we just paid entrance on the door. It does get very busy from 5:15/5:30pm so get there a bit before to get a good spot and not to be rushed around as the bats come out any time from 5:45-6pm

Got a private driver to tour battambong, the last stop was the mountain to see the bats, it was awesome, Street food great, monkeys are cute. And the statue is huge.

If you are up to climbing up 358 steps, it's not bad up there. A very old temple consisted of 5 towers that are about 800-900 years old. View is nice e as well and you will appreciate the breeze. Get some water, you will need it. Wear trainer shoes as well.

This Temple is about a half hour to ride outside of the city of Battambang. There is moderate stairs to the top but you won't be disappointed as these 11th century prasats predate their cousins from siem reap at Angkor Wat. It's a great little excursion from the city and well worth the price of the ride!

You will get tired from climbing the steps. Bring plenty of water!! There is a temple at the top. There are a lot of wonderful photo opportunities here. You will see lots of damage temples here. Be safe, there are signs there saying a piece of temple might fall on you. At the bottom you can rest and eat.

One of the historical places in Cambodia. 😁😁 This Angkor-era mountaintop temple is definitely worth a look. At the top are beautiful views of the winding Sangker River set amidst sugar palm trees, rice fields and small villages. To the south you will see a mountain range that features a crocodile shaped mountain. The temple itself is beautiful looking from the ground as well as the top. The structures are pretty much intact, but unfortunately like so many Khmer ruins, they have fallen victim to massive looting.

Good temple. Be strong for the 300 steps

I visited Phnom Banan Temple during Khmer new year 2019 with my uncle. It really beautiful Temple with a very nice landscape around it.

I love boats and I love the water but this trip was not a favourite and I'd recommend a different mode of transport between Siem Reap and Battambang. Seeing the floating communities and locals transferred via their small boats to and from the ferry was great but the length of the trip at over 6 hrs and the small size of the ferry are negatives plus at times it sounded like the engine was going to die completely! It was not in a great state of repair with loose wires hanging off! Its a narrow boat to negotiate some of the tight waterways it has to travel but it means you dont have much legroom from those across from you and the bench seats just have a thin cushion so not very comfortable. We stopped after 4 hrs for a lunch break but the food did not look great so I bought some packet items. There is a very small toilet on board that you kind of have to back into as its such a low ceiling. At Battambang we stopped well outside of town and had to disembark onto a muddy riverbank as it seems the local government has built a dam further upstream and banned boats from travelling further! Not sure if this is temporary or long term. As a result its a USD5 Tuk Tuk into town

The price proposed by this company for the boat transfer from Siem Reap to Battambang (or the other way) is really expensive compared to normal prices to the normal counter office, and even much more expensive than prices for local people. And absolutely no service justifying this price. A scam!

Interesting journey! See the floating villages! But seats are incredibly uncomfortable. The 6 hour journey took seven hours. Watch out for this unscrupulous tuk-tuk driver at the Battambang end! Not recommended to hire him for any length of journey. He's unnaturally happy, but his follow-up sales tactics leave much to be desired.

It was a good way of getting close to the floating villages AND getting from Siem Reap to Battambang. It took us close to 9h in end of February 2020 due to dry season and we couldn't reach Battambang but stopped before it. No aircondition but airstream from boat speed (23km/h max). Boat had sun roof and a small hole-in-the-flor toilet. No drinks provided on board. If you are looking for "local-kind-of-adventure" this is EXACTLY your thing. If not go by bus. Startet at ~7am in Siem Reap by getting picked up at the hotel with a pick up truck (with what else?! 😁😁 ) Drove probably 40min to an harbor outside of Siem (at Siem Reap River). Went over the TonleSap to Sangker River. Lots of floating villages on this riverside. Nice to watch. 👍😎 Had "lunch" at 12 in boat stop. You might want to bring your own lunch. After the lunch break the rivers gotten thiner and driving was not easy anymore. Jurney got a bit boring. Reached a place close to Battambang finally at ~4pm. There a tuktuk has to be taken and paid to get to your hotel (paid 5$).

Attention fraud! you get thrown off the boat 20km from Siem Reap in no man's land. Everything arranged. tuk tuk drivers are waiting on site and charge $5 per person to be taken to Siem reap. there are no other ways to get there. There is also no internet to call a vehicle with the Pass app. The boat it also not the same like on the picture.

For me it is fraud! I bought tickets from Battambang to Siem Reap. But, the driver stopped about 20km before Siem Reap, everyone had to get out and walk to the already waiting tuk tuks. For an inflated price you have to be driven into town for another $5. So in total I paid 35 euros for 6,5 hours on a small boat on which you can not move, with a short stopover and with fraud later.

Echo what everyone else has said. Wish I read these before travelling. It too us 11 hours door to door between BB and SR and cost $30 for first transfer and boat trip. They dropped us off 39 minutes away from SR and we had to take the tuk tuks available. They started at $8 each but when we complained dropped to $6 each. Just be aware before you book. It is a long and uncomfortable trip. The scenery is lovely but only for the first couple of hours. Then it becomess boring.

It’s a nice pagoda, pretty much the same as the structures you would find at Angkor Wat and other temples from the Angkor Period. There’s also a little shrine inside the pagoda. You do have pay to get in. I find this p,ace to be one of those places you go and see it one time and you’re good. There’s no tour guide or anything from what I saw when I came. Hardly any people on a weekday.

Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th century Angkorian Hindu temple. Easily accessible with a few wooden steps to climb and only about a 15 minute ride from Battambong's city center. Unfortunately, most walls have collapsed and looted, but still a nice place to visit since there aren't many visitors. Wat Ek Phnom has many shady Bodhi trees and large tamarind and milk fruit trees, making it an ideal place to seek relief from the heat, and if you look closely, you'll see many pendulum bird nests among the large trees (near the front of the ruins). You can also stroll around the moat of wat Ek Phnom and the temple ground. You're visiting a place of worship, so dress appropriately and be respectful.

A small but atmospheric eleventh century Hindu temple, so older than Angkor Wat! It's very small and there doesn’t look to be a lot to see but there are some well decorated door lintels to be found on doorways and on the ground.

I had the best time here. Walkies around the pagoda and temple ruins were super duper. $1 USD entry.

Very cool temple to see. There’s both a new temple and some ruins which are older than Angkor wat, according to our tuk tuk driver. It was $1 per person which is fair enough if they have to maintain the place.

Definitely worth the visit! The entry was 4000KHR or $1 It wasn’t busy at all, when we visited there were only two other people there other than the locals. It’s a temple from the 1100s in quite a bad condition, but definitely fascinating. There is a modern temple right in front of it and a big Buddha just to the side.

We enjoyed our visit here as there is an old temple from I think the 1100s. This Temple is not in very good condition but that is what makes it interesting. Take the time and walk through it, its amazing, took lots of pics. There is also a newer temple and a large statue of a huge buddha. Definitely worth visit, I think the cost was a dollar. 3btraveler

Omg,need more of this to get my fix. That's all I have to say So so good

2. HAND HEAVEN To call Rong Kluea market anything else would not be fair. I do not know where all the 2. clothes come from originally. I was told that the majority of the seller's which is from Cambodia bring all the products they are selling them from Cambodia. The goods are brought to the market from Cambodia on big hand-pulled carts. The products are mostly 2. hand clothes mixed with some new copy products. The 2. hand clothes look like is origins from the west, how it end up at a border market in Thailand's one can only wonder about. The market is supplying most of the 2. hand clothes shops around Thailand. When you look at the license plates at the cars at the parking lots you see cars from all over Thailand.

Very big border market, a lot of things to look for and buy if the price is right

A stone’s throw away from cambodia border. You could find plenty of goods here, ranging from sneakers, flip flop, bags, household items, cosmetic, etc. Most of the merchants are khmer.

A great night market. Like mostly night market, you need to have a bargain skill before buying things.

If you are looking for second hand clothes, brand name handbag, original or copy clothes/shoes, machinary and toy, this is the place. Not worth going just to buy few items but if you need to buy a lot or just on the way to or out of Cambodia, great place to stop by at least couple of hours. Better take a bus from Ekamai bus terminal or Lumpini Park.

Golden Gate Plaza Thailand border is so much cheaper than buying in Poipet or the country Cambodia itself. I save a lot of money buying there and a lot of Khmer merchants who have their own stores in Cambodia would buy whatever they need in stocks at a discount rate and sale them in Cambodia for a huge profit. If anyone of you want to save money, shop in Thailand either at the Golden Gate Plaza or somewhere else in Thailand, you will save lots of money. Here in Cambodia, it is the land where one get scammed, get rip off, lied to. Khmer merchants will lied through their teeth and raise the price of whatever you want to buy. Very dishonest. Go to Golden Gate Plaza.

We got there just at the right time as the monks performed their evening walking meditation around the temple. We also discovered a more modern temple next door where local monks built their own kites. Magical.

You can actually visit both this site and Phanom Rung on a joint ticket, costing just 150 baht. I actually liked this site even more because it is bigger with more ancient buildings. This place was constructed around 11th century A.D. as a Sivaite Hindu Sanctuary, Siva being the supreme God with Vishnu considered the minor God. There is plenty of parking across the road and a nice setting; the lake by the car park with food stalls and seating.

So serene walking in, there’re so many trees in the park. Some of the stairs are small, be careful walking. Plenty of parking and is located just across the park with many food stalls.

A Khmer temple complex an hour's drive from Buriram. Luckily I went here before the more extensive Phanom Rung Historical Park. Still worth a visit though. Unfortunately, Google Maps took me to a side entrance rather than the tourist office. I later discovered that I probably had to pay an entrance fee but it was only 50 Baht I think.

Absolutely stunning! A place worth visiting at least once in your life.

Another beautiful temple located in the same vicinity of Phanom Rung temple, about 10 km from each other. You can buy the combo ticket here to enter both this temple n Phanom Rung temple, so rather visiting this temple first is more economical. The temple alone is beautiful, petite but well preserved, the 4 square ponds located in the main complex of the temple are uniquely intact n see how ancient decorations were built for preserving n storing water. Definitely recommended to visit!

A 1100 years old nicely restored Khmer temple in Buriram province. Like most Hindu temples, Prasat Muang Tam is oriented towards the east

Not sure they open since the issue with Cambodia and Thailand. One of the must seen place in Burinam, not too far from the city centre. Entry fee is cheap, but be warn it get very hot here and not much shade. Beautiful place and fairly easy walk. But not recommend if it rain.

Phanom Rung Historical Park: Jewel of Khmer Civilization Phanom Rung Stone Castle in Buriram is a priceless legacy of ancient Khmer civilization, majestically situated atop an extinct volcano. "Phanom Rung" translates to "Mountain of Happiness," reflecting the site's beauty and mystique. The sanctuary was built between the 10th and 13th centuries CE, dedicated to Lord Shiva under the Hindu Shaivism belief. Its architecture is distinguished by intricately carved pink sandstone, including the famous lintel of Vishnu Anantasayin and pediments depicting Hindu mythologies. The castle's layout carries cosmic significance, notably the miraculous phenomenon where sunlight aligns through all 15 doorways four times a year, showcasing the astronomical wisdom of its builders. Visiting Phanom Rung is more than just seeing an ancient ruin; it's experiencing the prosperity of the Khmer Empire—its art, architecture, and beliefs—all harmoniously intertwined in a truly awe-inspiring manner.

I really enjoy here, great walk and scenery, plenty great photo opportunities. Note woman are not allowed in with shorts or shoulders showing but you can get a lone of a skirt or shawl to cover. I had shorts on along with my son and no problem for us to enter

Phanom Rung is a spectacular Khmer temple complex in Buriram Province, Thailand, built between the 10th and 13th centuries atop an extinct volcano and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Rising 402 meters above the surrounding plains, Phanom Rung (Prasat Hin Phanom Rung) is one of the most impressive and best-preserved Khmer monuments in Thailand. Constructed of sandstone and laterite, the temple was designed to symbolize Mount Kailash, the cosmic home of Shiva. Its central sanctuary, crowned with a towering prang, is adorned with intricate lintels and pediments depicting Hindu mythology, including the famous lintel of Vishnu reclining on Ananta, the cosmic serpent. Highlights of Phanom Rung Sacred Setting: Built on the rim of an extinct volcano, the temple commands sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Processional Walkway: Visitors approach via a long, paved avenue lined with stone pillars, leading to grand staircases that heighten the sense of ceremony. Architecture: The central sanctuary reflects the Angkor style, but with unique Thai adaptations, making it a masterpiece of Khmer art in Thailand. Astronomical Alignment: On certain days each year, the sun rises or sets in perfect alignment with the temple’s 15 doorways, a phenomenon that draws pilgrims and travelers alike. Cultural Role: Once a major religious center, Phanom Rung was dedicated to Shiva but later incorporated Buddhist elements, reflecting the region’s spiritual evolution. I should note pigeons and bats seem to have taken over the temple as they were everywhere (and their smells too)

It's twenty baht for thai and two hundred baht for foreigners - I felt that was a little steep to charge. But because we drove so far.I wanted to go in and enjoy the park. When you get into the park there's an observatory.You can go to but just be careful because there was a pack of dogs and we were worried if we got out of the car.They would come after us.We did stop the car and go to open the door and they ran up to the car and we just didn't go out onto the observatory. But the view from the car was breathtaking, but you can't get a good picture. The castle was absolutely amazing.The rock work and the etching and the detail was just beyond belief that this is lasted thousands and thousands of years. If you're in the area, I highly recommend that you stop by and visit this. I'll post a lot of photos. I definitely give this place a five, but I would've given it a four and a half because I feel like they overcharge foreigners.

Very nice historic scene in a nice park, there are 2 entrances, the main and a side entrance, take the side, there are many stairs to walk so keep watching where you step, in main building you can see bat flying around, parking is good,entrance fee is ok

Spectacular historical sites in a very peaceful and green area 🙏 this place shows a history of old Khmer empire in Thailand There’s a restaurant and souvenir shops to visit as well so you can plan for about half day trip. It’s a must visit if you are near or in Buriram 👍

Wonderful traditional Thai massage spa for health, fitness and wellness. Extremely professional, clean, comfortable and friendly. Highly knowledgeable staff. Surpassed my expectations and left me feeling relaxed and refreshed wanting more. Definitely do not pass this experience by. The owner is a highly respected, experienced professional with much knowledge to share.

My fav place! Highly recommended if you need a proper massage very professional and friendly people!

Upscale and professional massage shop. Classy operation and I have been very satisfied with the massage ladies here... A little more expensive than the average streetside walk in massage parlours but we'll worth it for the quality of the service you receive...

Had a great visit with my family while in town for a couple days. Two of us had foot massages and two got Thai massage. All were good. My Thai massage was especially good. I used google translate to let them know my right knee is injured. They gave it some extra careful attention. Rather than just avoiding that area, they helped me to heal. The end of the massage included some delicious tea and fruit. Overall it was a great visit.

Had whole body massage with the herbal ball! It's exactly the kind of massage I have been dreaming of for years. The best service ever! Felt relaxed after my massage. Very friendly staff, everyone was nice! They are very accommodating!! Will definitely go back ❤

Place is very nice and the staff very service minded. A bit more pricy than other places but you do get a very nice atmosphere and a spotless clean place. Unfortunately, the massage (Thai/Oil) was only average.

I was a student of 60-hour-Thai message course between 12-19 February 2025. This school’s teachers were very excellent in their knowledge and expertise. Also they were very attentive to teaching me, I felt like I almost got 1-1 lessons all the time, and I learned a lot during that course. I recommend studying traditional Thai message here both in Thai and in English.

Didn’t many tourists there and venders shut down. the small town is quiet, far from bus station around 8 km, u can there by crab.

Very interesting trip to Ban Tha Sawang Silk Weaving Village

You can visit if you wanted to see how traditional Thai silk "Yok Thong" are dyed and weaved. There's quite a number of tuk tuk at the Surin bus station and you will have no issue to get a grab while visiting Ban Tha Sawang , but you've to call for Surin Taxi to pick you up upon returning to the bus terminal or Surin city because it's almost imp to get any tuk tuk or grab near Ban Tha Sawang village. This kind of masterpiece handicrafts are very precious as it might become extinct in the future. One of the renowned Thai silk brand "Chansoma" is located here. The fabric must be pre-order and be prepared it's very expensive!!! You can order on their "Chansoma" Facebook page. For more affordable options of Thai silks, you can also support the shops around the weaving centre.There're a few shops selling quality Mudmee silk, Surin silk, Yok dok silk. Visited in August 2023.

Must admit that I was disappointed. This place could be and probably was so much more than what's left today. I'd hoped for demonstrations given by enthusiastic people and a clear path around the complex. Signage is there but it's overgrown in some cases. I was told that it was busier prior to the pandemic but its had more than enough time to recover. I do wonder how the staff other than those working in the shops get an income and if the source is govt funding then the place should be reviewed.

Well worth the trip to see the amazingly skilful silk weavers, can’t believe the effort that goes into producing the cloth and makes you understand the value of it

This is a small collection of shops selling all handwoven silks in beautiful patterns. There is a small jungle-like settlement of small traditional wood structures with expert crafts people spinning silk and weaving on large traditional hand looms. These are not amateurs, rather master crafts people. There are no entry fees or hard sales. You are free to browse and the shop folk are helpful and friendly. This is an OTOP (One Tambon One Product) village. When in Surin, Buriram, Sisaket, or Yasothon be sure to stop by to see these gentlefolks keeping a lost craft alive. The fabrics are beautiful.

Traditional way of weaving silk in very fine patterns. Some weaving machines are operated by 4 persons, very complex. Mostly elderly women, let's hope there is s next generation to learn their skills but probably not....

Worth the climb to see the Buddha and views, the walk down to the crater wasn't really worth it to be honest. I may have missed some bits to see though? There are refreshments at the bottom and top, which are pretty standard, plus some other stalls down the bottom. I round advise not climbing this in yhe midday sun! You can ride scooter up but road was closed when I visited.

Nice views once you have walked up the stairs. Moderate climb to get there. Maybe a little run down. There’s some souvenir shops and clean amenities on top near the monument. Some construction going on, could be more viewing platforms being added.

Nice park with a nice view at boedha, is on een old volcano, drive up, park walk around, the doing some maintenance but entrance is free and a nice park

Apart from the volcano and Buddha statue, there wasn't much to see. There was a lot of construction when I went. There's an outdoor café near the Buddha statue that's worth visiting.

Giant Buddha, the respectable Buddha of Buriram people, is located on the top of the hill. You can go there by driving or walking up the stairs. Sightseeing the town from there, playing a local slide called Si Lai Der (warning : if the slide is wet, it goes too fast), walking through a long bridge, visiting a huge lagoon and a volcano entrance. Great place to visit.

Fabulous views across buriram,the monument of Buddha is beautiful looking over buriram..we got a bus up to the monument and to the bridge for the volcano.it was very hot and humid but worth the visit..we had noodles 🍜 soup and cola at a restaurant at the bottom and it was the best noodles 🍜 soup I've had in Thailand in 2 weeks, aroy mak mak 😊.

This is a nice place to visit, very peaceful. The steps up to the monument aren't too bad, but if you are unable to walk, you can drive to the top. We also walked around the road and to the suspension bridge over the volcano. If you are thirsty or hungry, there are plenty of small stores/restaurants at the bottom and a couple at the top.

A world class football arena. We came to visit the interior of the stadium when no game was hosted. It’s an unique experience to explore the unseen parts of a stadium.

By far, the best football stadium in Thailand. It usually has a superb crowd who are very knowledgeable and make a lot of noise. If you want to see a really good game of football, I suggest you visit the stadium. It also does tours and has food courts, and an interesting park nearby

Chang Arena: A New Dimension of Football and Lifestyle Experience Chang Arena, located in Buriram Province, stands out not only as one of Thailand's most beautiful and internationally-standard football stadiums but also as a comprehensive hub for travel, accommodation, and surrounding attractions. Accessibility and Transportation: Chang Arena boasts excellent accessibility, being easily reachable from various routes. Visitors traveling by private car will find ample and extensive parking facilities, eliminating any concerns about finding a spot on match days or during other events. Accommodation and Nearby Facilities: For those planning an overnight stay, whether to fully immerse in a match or to explore Buriram Province, a diverse range of quality accommodations is available in the vicinity. Options include hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, catering to various needs and budgets. In essence, Chang Arena epitomizes the successful integration of sports with tourism and lifestyle. It is an unmissable destination for both sports enthusiasts and general tourists alike.

Big stadium in Buriram, owned by Buriram United. It has quite good facilities such as hotel, large parking area, and merchandise mega store. It is located in the same complex as the Thunder Castle heritage building. So you can feel unique experinece while visiting this place

Got taken into the stadium where the fans sit. Two minutes later the guide (who never talked to me) told me it was time to leave. I asked about seeing the dressing rooms which he said no at first but then when I explained it's part of the tour, he quickly ushered me in and out. Came to Buriram just for the stadium tour and it was over within literally 5 minutes. So disappointing.

This place is fantastic! Really enjoyed our tour of the rooms and facilities. We have now been to quite a few football matches there, the atmosphere is electric and the chanting, music, and drums are incredible! The home team has a HUGE following, the visiting teams are usually met with an almost deathly silence 🤫 😆

Brilliant team and a brilliant stadium. I went to my first game last night and it was amazing. Cannot wait to go again

"Experience the timeless beauty of Phimai – preserving the glory of an ancient civilization." Phimai Historical Park, located in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, is one of Thailand’s most significant historical sites. Built around the 11th–12th centuries, during the era of an ancient civilization in the region, it served as an important center for Mahayana Buddhism. The main sanctuary, crafted from white sandstone, features intricate carvings that reflect the exceptional skill and artistry of craftsmen from the past. The park is well-maintained, with clean, shaded walkways ideal for strolling and photography. Informative signs provide visitors with valuable insights into the architecture, history, and cultural significance of the site. Visitors are encouraged to follow park guidelines, avoid touching ancient structures, and show respect to help preserve its authenticity. Visiting Phimai is more than sightseeing — it is an opportunity to connect with history and support the preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. The peaceful atmosphere combined with the grandeur of the ancient architecture makes it an inspiring destination for those who value history and conservation. Phimai Historical Park is a must-visit for anyone exploring Nakhon Ratchasima — offering knowledge, enjoyment, and a deeper appreciation of Thailand’s rich past.

Phimai Temple (Prasat Hin Phimai) is one of the largest and most important Khmer temples in Thailand, renowned for its grand scale, exquisite carvings, and unique role as a Buddhist sanctuary built during the Khmer Empire. Located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Phimai was constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries and served as a major religious and cultural hub at the end of the ancient highway that connected it directly to Angkor. Unlike many Khmer temples, which were dedicated to Hindu deities, Phimai was built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple, reflecting the spiritual diversity of the Khmer world. Highlights of Phimai Temple Architecture: The temple complex stretches over 1,000 by 600 meters, making it the largest Khmer site in Thailand. Its central sanctuary, built of white sandstone, is adorned with intricate lintels and pediments depicting both Hindu and Buddhist themes. Symbolism: The layout follows the Khmer cosmic plan, with the central prang representing Mount Meru, the axis of the universe. Interestingly it is one of the only Khmer temples to face south. Unique Identity: While its style resembles Angkor Wat, Phimai predates it by nearly a century and stands out for its explicitly Buddhist dedication.

That's amazing! The weather was lovely, perfect for a leisurely walk around the spacious 100-rai property. The grounds are beautifully preserved, with different rooms showcasing the architecture. At the back, there’s a massive tree believed to be over 400 years old. Admission: 200 baht for foreigners, 20 baht for Thai nationals, and free for children under 12. Parking: Available near the entrance, fits around 15 cars. Museum: Air-conditioned and pleasantly cool inside. Restrooms: Very clean. It’s absolutely worth bringing children to experience and appreciate ancient Khmer art. A truly valuable and worthwhile visit! ❤️🙏

I love these ancient temples. This one doesn't disappoint and is very impressive. You can tell that there has been a lot of effort put into it and I think more restoration and access to closed off areas would enhance the place more.

Phimai Historical Park is a truly amazing and worthwhile visit, often compared to a more peaceful version of Angkor Wat. This beautiful example of Khmer architecture is a must-see for anyone in the region. The 200 Baht ticket is great value, granting you access to the park's well-preserved structures. While the park is generally open until 6:00 PM daily, be sure to check for special events or festivals, as these can include extended evening hours for unique experiences like a light-and-sound show.

The Architecture is remarkable, though parts of the site are poorly lit in the night. The cultural show is phenomenal. Highly recommended.

absolutely fantastic if you're in this area- go there! beautiful park with a gorgeous Khmer Tempel well worth visiting 🙏

Beautiful smaller temple located in between some of the main temples in Khon Kaen. The temple ground were under renovation when I visited but the temples itself are still a beauty to behold. Worth paying a visit and spending 10-15 minutes here

Wat Nong Waeng Phra Aram Luang is a famous temple in Khon Kaen province and is recognized as a royal temple. It’s a large temple with many parking lot available for visitors. Tourists are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered. Women are not allowed to wear short skirts above the knee or sleeveless tops. Before entering the pagoda, which houses sacred relics, all visitors are required to remove their shoes. The temple provides cloth bags for carrying shoes inside, as theft has occurred in the past. Visitors are advised to place their shoes in the provided bags and carry them while exploring the pagoda. The ground floor of the pagoda serves as a space for making merit and features several donation boxes. The interior is intricately decorated and visually stunning. Tourists can also climb to the top of the pagoda, which has nine floors in total. The stairs are steep, so caution is advised. From the ninth floor, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Khon Kaen city.

This is my 2nd time here and it is one of the most beautiful temples in Khon Kaen. There is a stair access to the 9 levels of pagoda but it might be too steep for some people. It was very crowded when we visited.

One of my favourite Temples in Thailand and definitely in the city of Khon Kaen. This Temple is a Khon Kaen land mark and tourist destination. It hosts 9 levels each with artworks, artefacts, shrines, and information much like a museum. Each level represents the ascension to enlightenment and there is a 360 degree view of the surrounding city on every level. The ground floor is the main floor where locals come to greet the monks and pray. I really like this Temple because of its beautiful architecture and surrounding grounds, the view of the city from each level, the artworks, artefacts and information scattered all around. Artworks include paintings that depict traditional every day Thai life, correct behaviour as taught by the scriptures as well as the story of the life of the The Buddha carved into the doors and window shutters. It is easy to spend a whole day here getting lost wandering around discovering new area's while viewing the surrounding city from one of the best vantage points in Khon Kaen.

Wat Nong Wang (วัดหนองแวง) is Khon Kaen city’s biggest, most important temple, and also its one must-see tourist attraction. It was founded in 1789, the same year the city was settled, though there are no old buildings left. It became a royal temple in 1984. About 55 monks and 225 novices live here. It’s ordinary in most regards, except for the stunning nine-story Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, a stupa unlike any other in Thailand. Many of the links below take you to other articles explaining the art in detail. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon The ground floor is open 6am-5pm and floors 2-9 are open 8am-4.30pm. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon stupa was built to celebrate both the king’s golden jubilee (celebration of 50 years on the throne) and the two hundredth birthday of Khon Kaen city. It is 50m long on the side and 80m tall and has nine floors because he was King Rama 9. Construction was started in 1990 and it was inaugurated in 1996. The idea for the stupa came from the highly respected Luang Paw Koon Kantigo, the then abbot. The design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and the Shwedagon Pagoda, both of which he saw while travelling. The most important of the abbot’s ideas, however, is the stupa’s curved shape, chosen to be that made by a hanging fishing net – called a catenary curve in physics. People’s ashes are kept in the stupas at each of the four corners and the naga-topped wall around the stupa. Before construction, when this area was still rice field, a naga came to tell a high-ranking monk in a dream that there was a naga breathing hole where the stupa was going to be built. So, the stupa was built about 10m from the original intended location and these naga were incorporated into the design. The shape of the top part of the stupa was inspired by Phra That Kham Kaen stupa (notice the redented corners) north of the city and has a golden-colored vine pattern similar to that on the very important Phra That Phanom stupa in Nakhon Phanom province. Ground Floor The temple’s center of activity is the stupa’s ground floor, which has a Buddha relic inside a chamber with a nine-spired roof. Next to it is a life-like resin statue of Luang Paw Koon Kantigo, the previous abbot (Unusual, because these are normally made after an abbot has died, but this one was put here many years before.), and in the back is a copy of the Chinnarat Buddha (from Phitsanulok); two copies of Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha), one green and one orange; and a baby Buddha. They are facing west, rather than the usual east, because the original Chinnarat Buddha also faces west. Along the northern wall is a table with 108 alms bowls (for donating 108 coins) and another full of daily Buddhas. The number 108 was important in ancient India and so it is found in many Buddhist stories, most importantly the 108 signs of perfection to show that he was the Buddha – this is also why there are often 108 symbols on the soles of many large Buddha footprints.

The main Temple of Khonkaen called Wat - Nong - Wang (in Thai). There is 9 floor with closely pyramid shape. All decoration is very Thai, which beautiful, charming and richy by the golden colour of gold. The activity is walk around the floor then step up to the top of temple. The location is beside of kaennakorn swamp that very massive impress by the top view from the top of Nongwang temple.

As a non believer I can review just the multi storey building. Once you get the last floor you will see an amazing 360 degrees view. The stairs are not easy to climb because the steps are high and narrow.

The atmosphere was good. When we came, the weather was good, the sky was overcast, not too hot. We arrived in the morning, there weren't many people yet. You can feed the elephants and various animals. There is a restaurant, coffee, and activities to do, you can easily spend time here at least 1-3 hrs including lunchtime. Recommend coming when the weather isn't too hot. On weekend afternoons, there are a lot of people. Have a goo day all 😊🌠

Visited on October 28th. Mostly sunny sky, beautiful weather. I parked in front of the ticket office at 7:40. There are also toilets. To see the red lilies you need to take a boat. Small boat for 2 persons 300B, boat up to 6 persons 500B. When i gave the 300B, the nice lady at the cashier returned me 100B, maybe because i was alone. A very honest behaviour, unusual in the tourism business. The boat ride to the area where lilies are took about 10 minutes at a relaxed pace Then the boat man entered slowly and respectfully of the water plants inside the lilies. When we stopped the boat and the silence surrounded us, it was magical. Around us thousands of red water lilies (although not as many as in the peak season), and many water birds and swallows chirping. The trip took almost an hour. Very impressed by nature and people here. Some Thai people at the dock even invited me for breakfast.

I visited in March which was not the season, but the Red Lotus Lake was on my bucket list. We rented a big boat for 500 baht. He took us out to several spots, and even stopped at the temple on the island. The lake was absolutely beautiful and tranquil. I enjoyed beautiful pink lotus, watching birds, and water buffalos. I recommend it for nature lovers.

Small boat for up to 2 people - 300 Baht. Big Boat for up to 6 people - 500 Baht. It's very very beautiful to visit during Seasonal Period between December to January. The Ride is about One Hour. I did not regret travelling so far to see this amazing red lotus lake. Advice to Arrive there in the Early Morning before 0800 to avoid the strong sun and crowd.

The sheer variety and beauty of the birds here is astounding! Their antics were absolutely hilarious – frantic food hunts, comical escapes from our boat, and the sheer chaos of their running retreats. And the lake? A perfect mirror reflecting it all. A truly delightful experience!

Me and my girlfriend passed by Khumphawapi in wrong (dry) season so boat rides on the lake were closed. However we still found some beautiful lotuses along the road around the lake and walking in the fields

Every season has different lotus flowers, grab a boat and enjoy, you can have a bit dining too. Will come back 😊

This museum chronicles a remarkable episode in twentieth century archaeology. In this village in the late 1960s villagers uncovered beautiful pots with red on buff designs. These were evidence of a hitherto unsuspected Bronze Age culture in South East Asia. The museum covers the extraordinary bronze and pottery found nds made at the site. Entrance costs 150 baht.

1-hr driving from Udon Thani city. The place is well-maintained and clean. They exhibit ancient artifacts from excavation with some historical hypothesis. Apart from that, there is nothing much (~1 hr walking around). There is a white lotus temple that you should also visit (10 min drive). Replicant pot painting is also enjoyable.

Ban Chiang National Museum: A Journey Through Time ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Maps Link [URL ที่ไม่ถูกต้องถูกนำออกแล้ว] The Ban Chiang National Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and the origins of civilization in Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into a culture that thrived over 5,000 years ago. What makes it special: World-class collection: The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed at the Ban Chiang archaeological site, including distinctive red-painted pottery, bronze tools, and skeletal remains. Engaging exhibits: The exhibits are well-designed and informative, presenting the archaeological findings in a clear and engaging way. You'll learn about the different periods of Ban Chiang's history, from the early agricultural settlements to the Bronze Age. Reconstructed excavation pit: A highlight of the museum is the reconstructed excavation pit, which offers a realistic view of how archaeologists uncovered the layers of history at Ban Chiang. Multimedia presentations: Interactive displays and videos enhance the learning experience, providing a deeper understanding of the significance of Ban Chiang's discoveries. Cultural context: The museum also showcases the contemporary life and traditions of the Ban Chiang community, connecting the past with the present. Tips for your visit: Allow ample time: There's a lot to see and learn at the museum, so plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits. Hire a guide: Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the artifacts and their historical context. Visit the archaeological site: After visiting the museum, be sure to explore the actual archaeological site at Wat Pho Si Nai to see the excavation pit and burial grounds firsthand. Support local artisans: The museum has a shop where you can purchase authentic handicrafts made by local artisans, supporting the community and taking home a unique souvenir. Overall: The Ban Chiang National Museum is a captivating journey through time, offering a window into the lives of one of Southeast Asia's earliest civilizations. It's a must-see for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

Ban Chiang National Museum is located in the North East of Thailand, in a town named Udon Thani. This museum is full of artifact from the Bronze Era like 3000 to 1800 BC. The excavation was started in the 70's and King Bumiphol was there to witness the excavation and all documented in the museum with audio visual as well. Tickets priced at 50 baht for locals and 150 baht for foreigners. The Museum closes at 4.00 pm.

Highly rated museum with internationally validated information that was fun to walk around. The staff was helpful and eager to share insights. There is an audio tour and a video to provide additional background and context. The pottery and burial sites of the prehistoric people who lived here thousands of years ago are extremely significant archeological and anthropological findings on a global scale. To understand the impact of these findings in Southeast Asia, and Thailand in particular, is fascinating and wonderful. The ticket cost was 150B for foreigners and 30B for Thais. It's a UNESCO site.

This archeological site is considered as the most important prehistoric settlement discovered in South-East Asia. Can understand why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Herritage site. Very interesting and informative! The village around the museum is so peaceful!

if you have even a passing interest in human geography this museum is amazing. it tracks the continual use of the area by humans going back to the iron age. id no idea that the iron / bronze age had run in parallel in Asia and Europe before visiting the museum.

Good area for a big variety of food at very reasonable prices. A good alternative to the other nearby food markets and open every evening. Lots of seatings so it’s easy to find a place to sit and enjoy your food

This market is awesome. You can eat here everything. Thai- and Western-Food or a good grilled fish. Sitting here outside you have to be 18 years old and it's a Non Smoking area.🙏

Wow what a place. This place is huge I have never seen anything soo big that is opened every night. So much food to pick from and so many options. Also lots of other things to look at from shoes to jewelry. If you are looking for something then you will find it here. So many people here also so if you not a fan of being around people then don't come but you will be missing out on one of the highlights of Udon Thani

Phantastic Food and a large Area to sit with friends and enjoy a nice evening with some beers. I prefer the left side of the market when you look at the Railway station. On the right side everything is more modern but they are having CHANG BEER ONLY ... i am loving LEO Beer or Singh or a Beer Lao better. Walk a bit inside, about 30meters from the street that leads to RailwayStation Have fun

the food night (and afternoon) market is a very busy place, Night market with broad variety of awesome food at incredible cheap prices (as others said before). Don't leave Udon without visiting this place! (Last in Sept 2022)

Great place for dinner. Many food stalls serving tasty food at reasonable prices. Unfortunately some of the tastiest foods are available for take away only. They have a bigger selection of clothing than UD Town night market. It's a good place to spend a few hours in the evening - shopping, eating, drinking, and people watching. Muxh more a local feel than UD Town. I only knock it down to 4 stars because the toilets aren't as modern as those at UD Town.

Excellent place for Thai food. Prices are fantastic!

One of the nicer parks I have seen in the country. Good that it has a theme. However needs more trees for shade in the late afternoon. Gets quite sunny. Park facilities are basic. If only there is a jogging-friendly connection link to the other parks nearby ...

Best Park in Udon Thani – Great for Everyone! This is hands down the best park in Udon! The atmosphere is amazing — peaceful, green, and full of life. You'll find people of all ages enjoying different activities here: from cycling, jogging, and football to group dance practices and more. There are exercise machines available for free, making it a great spot to work out. If you're just looking to relax, you can sit by the water and enjoy the cool breeze — it's incredibly refreshing. The park is also very family-friendly. There's a separate, safe area with swings and playgrounds just for kids, so parents can relax while their children play. What makes it even better is that there are cafes and restaurants nearby, so you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat before or after your visit. Overall, it’s a perfect place to chill, exercise, or spend time with friends and family. Highly recommended for locals and visitors!!!

I love this park. I walk around the lake every day and feel relaxed while getting some exercise. Its beautifully maintained. It has both bike and jogging lanes. Its teaming with wildlife from fish in the lake to turtles and frogs. A very pleasant place to walk or bike around.

We love to come to Nong Prajak Park! There are so many ways you can spend your time here. The sunset over the lake is beautiful. We love to walk or bike around the park on the paths. Our kids love the vast array of playgrounds and work-out equipment. The bridges are fun and pretty.

Really nice clean park in the centre of the city. Gardens are very well maintained. Has cycle and walking paths connecting all of the islands. Good place to go for a stroll and relax for a few hours with children. Bicycles can be rented nearby for cheap prices. There's a stall selling food to feed the birds and fish in the lake.

Nice picturesque park with bike hire , street food , massage and restuarant. Busy with people exercising in the evenings.

Great place to chill. It’s huge with lots of spot to unwind and relax. They have nice suspension bridges too which is very perfect for walking and photo ops. I love this park.

A little slippery when it has been rainy but worth the effort! Stunning rock formations and prehistoric hand paintings. Beautiful walk and helpful guides at various points. If elderly or disabled they will take you on a golf cart to get closer to the natural sites and ancient ruins.

Possibly the least visited Unesco Park in the world... i went there on a Monday in October. After spending 3 hours visiting most of the park, i checked the visitors list and my name was still the only one...! Entrance fee for foreigners is 120B. The park is well kept and easy to navigate, since there are plenty of signs with the names of the various sites and relative distance in meters. A map is also provided. Each site has a metal plaque with a description in thai and English. Many animals too if you don't make noise (being alone was not difficult ....). Don't miss the little museum at visitors center. Superclean modern toilets.

When I arrived at the entrance office and purchased the entry ticket, a guide was allocated to me and provided with a detailed map of the area. If you are not keen on walking too much, they also provide electric buggies to reach the main area. But walking is essential if you want to visit other areas within the park. Short after entering this Unesco World Heritage site, you feel like you have entered to an ancient world with unusual rock formations created by erosions occurred millions of years ago. Although some of the paintings on the rocks are faded but can best be seen where some rocks have formed a natural shelter. Around these rocks, there are religious shrines with mostly Buddhist influence. You can see Sīma stones which are boundary markers for sacred areas of Buddhist activities. It is believed that this area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, about 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. My guide (Supannee) was very professional, knowledgeable and patient. She was very kind and took time to explain me details and history of various sites

A perfect afternoon/evening walk until closing, chill lil hike in the rainforest, if ure lucky, they bring u a bit indide ;) All ages, bring water and a hat.

Excellent archeological UNESCO site, well worth a visit. I had a cab take me out there from Nong Khai and wait, whilst I walked around by myself (organised by my hostel). The taxi was 1800 Baht flat fee for one person, or 2000 for three people (negotiable). I left at 9am and arrived back in Nong Khai by 1:30pm. The taxi was definitely worth the money. 400 baht p/h for transport and a driver is standard, with fuel included. Mr Winai also drove me to Udon Thani airport. He’s reliable and punctual, but doesn’t speak English. I would not recommend going by scooter as it is too far (60km and about a 2 hr ride), and online maps will probably not work out there. The site opens at 8:30, and I am glad I got there in the morning. This is not a place to visit on a really hot day (over 35), or in the afternoon. It is a not a busy tourist site. The walk around is easy (some stairs), but not wheelchair accessible. Kids over 5 would be fine. Plenty of signage and staff around, and you get a map with your 100 baht entry fee. Give yourself 2-3 hours, more if you want to go to the viewing platform, or walk the entire park. The little restaurant on the side of the carpark has noodles for 50 baht (with an English menu), which is where I stopped and had a nice lunch after the walk.

This is a significant historical and religious site in Udon Thani, known for its natural beauty and spiritual importance. 🅿️ The parking area is spacious, making it easy to visit even on busy days. 📍 A new information center is clean, well-managed, and provides clear brochures, maps, and helpful guidance — all for just 20 THB per person. 🚘 There are golf carts available for elderly visitors, which is a thoughtful touch. 🌿 The entire site is very well maintained, with clean walking paths and detailed signs at each point of interest. 🪨 The rock formations at Phu Phra Bat are impressive and awe-inspiring. Every area is clean, accessible, and clearly marked. 🪑 Benches are placed thoughtfully along the walking route, perfect for those who need a break. The benches are new and very clean, adding to the comfort of the visit. ☀️ Best enjoyed on a clear weather day to fully appreciate the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Really cool rock formations and there are some interesting cave drawings too. Well worth a visit if you are in Udon Thani. 100 baht for foreigners :)

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is about 25 km from Vientiane city center, roughly a 40–45 minute drive. It’s located right next to the Mekong River, offering a beautiful view across to Thailand on the opposite bank. The park features over 200 fascinating sculptures that blend Buddhist and Hindu mythology. The atmosphere is peaceful and a bit surreal — every corner has something interesting to see, from giant deities to mythical creatures. The highlight is the “pumpkin” sculpture, where you can climb through three symbolic levels (hell, earth, and heaven) and enjoy a panoramic view of the park from the top. It can get quite hot during midday, so visiting early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable. There are small stalls selling drinks and snacks, and restrooms are available. Although there aren’t many English signs, it’s still enjoyable to walk around and take photos freely. As of October 8, 2025, the entrance fee was 15,000 LAK for locals and 60,000 LAK for foreigners. Overall, a relaxing and unique experience, combining art, spirituality, and the beauty of the Mekong River — definitely worth a visit if you have half a day in Vientiane.

I visited Buddha Park today, and it’s about a 35-minute drive from Vientiane. The park itself is interesting with a mix of unique sculptures …some of which are really intriguing. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, but I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely amazing, just a nice stop if you’re in the area. It’s neither great nor bad, just something to check out if you have the time. As of October 2025, the entrance fee for non-Lao citizens is 60,000 KIP. If you’re nearby, it’s definitely worth a visit if you have seen most of what Vientiane has to offer

The bus ride was much more interesting than the park. As with many people I took the bus from the Central Bus Station here and back for 36000K. It's a typical no frills SE Asian local bus which meanders through the Lao countryside showing you a different face of the country. You get what you pay for in terms of comfort, but the AC was working, and you'll get there no quicker in a taxi. The bus drops off and picks up right in front of the park. As for the park... well it's not what I expected. It's basically a small strip of land which runs from the main road to the Mekong. A slither of land populated by seemingly random contemporary decaying and broken concrete statues set amid quite lovely gardens; it's essentially a quasi Buddhist theme park. There are a couple of drinks stands inside, but nowhere to sit, relax, or eat. There's no gift shop and no real information about the various statues and what they might represent to educate visitors about the Buddhist faith. As with many situations like this, it's ultimately a wasted opportunity. Picture this instead; a lush riverside garden full of tranquility and peace through which a path slowly meanders. Along the path visitors can see a large collection of Lao`s large buddhist statues and sculptures, previously displayed at various temples and museums dotted around Vientiane. The garden has a central meditation hall and short meditations are held each hour. The centre acts as a promotion for Theravada Buddhism and offers free guided tours of the statues with multilingual headsets. There is a tradition Lao teahouse overlooking the river where visitors can spend some quite time in reflection and contemplation. Ask yourself, which do you prefer, the current reality or my plan?😹 BTW, as there is nowhere to eat instead I ate at the eatery opposite. It was typical local food, tasty enough and not over priced.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Buddha Park was definitely an interesting place to visit, even though it’s quite a long drive from the city center. The sculptures are unique and make for some great photos — it’s fascinating to walk around and see all the different figures up close. You really don’t need more than an hour here to take everything in. There’s a decent amount of shade if you go on a hot day, which makes it a bit more comfortable to explore. Parking is technically free, even though the attendant gives you a ticket that says 5,000 kip — just something to be aware of. Overall, it’s a fun and quirky stop if you have extra time in Vientiane and want to see something a little different!

I took the bus #14 at Talat Sao bus station, 18,000kip fare, to Buddha Park. It was a 40 minute ride. Entrance for foreigners is 60,000 kip. The place is quite big and it was hot so I didn’t really stayed that long. The bus going back to Vientiane is right across. It took longer going back because the bus had to stop at the Friendship Bridge to wait for passengers. Is it worth the time going there, maybe not for me. I should have just spend my one day in Vientiane in the town. But I find it cool to see Thailand just on the other side of the river.

Great to visit, you can go from CBS (cebtral bus station) by bus number 14, ticket foe thw bus ia 18k KIP. Entry to the park is 60k KiP for foreigners. Many bus tours and it may be quite crowded. It's kitschy but worth spending an hour or so in here.

The place is quite far from the Vientiane city centre, it's about 40 mins one way in a tuktuk. This place has many buddha statues along wilth other ones and this is one of the most visited place by tourists. It has a entry ticket of 60k kip (Nov 2025) for foreigners.

A must visit if you’re coming to Vientiane. A deep insight into the countries history and a good cause to help the victims of this tragedy. No entrance fee but there is opportunity for donations

An absolute must visit if you are in Vientiane. It is free but a donation is appreciated. They also have a gift shop with interesting and educational products. I bought a book all about a boy with an artificial limb. The museum gives you lots of information about the history of the bombings throughout Laos and how it effected the population. Every exhibit was fascinating. The most harrowing was of a video of woman, a mother, describing the events that led to her son's death. He was affected by a pair of cluster bombs that other children were playing with. His life also could have been saved had the hospitals in the area had blood or oxygen. It was heartbreaking. I think the scale of the bombings across Laos is not widely known - and COPE help to shed light on this and how it still affects local people everyday.

In the Vietnam war, the US dropped more bombs on Laos than were dropped by both sides combined in WW2 - even though the US weren't at war with Laos - making them the most bombed country per capita in history. The legacy of this continues to this day with millions of unexploded ordnance still littering the Laotian countryside, posing a risk to children playing and farmers working.  COPE not only works to clear those remaining bombs but also helps with the rehabilitation of those seriously wounded by them. As you can guess, this isn't the most cheery place but is a reminder that the effects of war long outlast the wars themselves. With USAID recently withdrawing the crucial funding that helped charities like COPE mitigate America’s aftermath the centre relies on visitor contributions more than ever. Visit the centre to learn more about America’s “secret war” and help save a life with a donation.

A harrowing experience in an unassuming place, this is an important place which details Laos as the unfortunate victims of a war they weren't a part of. The front looks like a small school compound, but walking in you see small buildings housing the exhibition of the Laos bombings. Small, but significant enough to sicken your stomach. There is a small exhibit, also a small movie room. Immerse yourself in this place. I think 40 minutes is more than good enough. Entrance is free, I suggest spending some time if you're in Vientianne, to know more about the history of the place.

I learned a lot about the bombing situation in Laos and the people who suffered because of it. It was truly eye-opening to see how much pain and struggle they went through, and how it still affects many lives today. I also discovered more about the country’s history and how the people of Laos have managed to rebuild their lives with strength and hope. Its free to check as well

Sombre and sad experience. Excellent educational experience. Highly recommend watching documentaries in the cinema room. Entry free, donations encouraged. Small gift shop also.

Absolutely a must when in Laos. Really detailed exhibition explaining facts, including personal stories, videos, real artifacts. Is more extensive than the one in Luang Prabang focused more in the rehabilitation and people affected. Free, clean toilets, helpful staff

Huge Temple. In the middle is a 18th century temple with old Buddha and the wall is painted in 18th century art. Beautiful temple and Aesthetic design. 30k kip entrance fee for Foreigners for the middle temple. The whole temple is free and no entrance fee needed.

Sisaket Museum is one of the most remarkable and serene cultural landmarks in Vientiane. Built in 1818 by King Anouvong, it is known as the oldest surviving temple in the city, and it beautifully represents a blend of Lao and Siamese architectural styles. The moment you enter the temple grounds, you can feel a deep sense of peace and history — the calm atmosphere, traditional wooden structures, and shady trees make it a truly spiritual experience. The highlight of Wat Sisaket is the cloister surrounding the main ordination hall, where more than 6,000 Buddha images are displayed. These statues, made of bronze, wood, silver, and stone, range in size from tiny to life-sized and are arranged neatly in small wall niches. It’s an amazing sight that shows the deep Buddhist devotion of the Lao people. Inside the ordination hall (sim), the murals are breathtaking — centuries-old paintings that depict Buddhist stories and daily life in ancient Laos. Photography isn’t allowed inside, which helps preserve the calm and sacred atmosphere. The museum also exhibits ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, relics, and religious artifacts that reflect Laos’s rich spiritual heritage. Everything is well cared for and clearly presented. The entrance fee is 30,000 Kip for foreigners and 5,000 Kip for locals, which is very reasonable. It’s located just across from Ho Phra Keo, making it easy to visit both together. A must-visit site for anyone who appreciates culture, history, and peace. 🌿🙏

If you have the time, I recommend stopping by. The outside area is nice, but what’s really worth it is the “museum” — it’s the highlight and does require an entrance fee. The multiple Buddha statues surrounding the structure are quite eye-catching. Inside the main temple, taking photos isn’t allowed, but there are signs that explain the history of the place. There are restrooms available, and you can see everything in about 40 minutes.

You’re not allowed to take photos inside the temple, which I think makes sense because it helps maintain the peaceful and sacred atmosphere. The entrance fee is 30,000 kip for foreigners, while locals only need to pay 5,000 kip. It’s quite a difference, but I understand that it helps support the preservation of the temple and the maintenance of the surrounding area. The temple itself is stunning and filled with beautiful artwork that really captures your attention. The architecture is traditional yet detailed, and the murals and carvings tell many stories about Buddhism and Lao culture. The craftsmanship is truly impressive. you can see the amount of patience, skill, and dedication that went into every piece. Even though it’s not the largest or most famous temple, it still carries a deep sense of history and spirituality. If you come from a country that’s already rich in Buddhist culture, you might find it somewhat familiar and less surprising. However, it’s still fascinating to observe how Laos expresses its faith through unique local designs and artistic touches. There’s something special about the calm and respectful environment here — it encourages you to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the details. Overall, I’d say I was somewhat satisfied with my visit. It may not be the most breathtaking temple I’ve ever seen, but it definitely has its own charm and character. If you’re someone who enjoys learning about cultural heritage, traditional art, and the spiritual side of Laos, this temple is definitely worth a stop.

A quick visit of 1 hour is enough if you are not studying Buddha relics and artifacts. Many were destroyed during the early Siamese war period. Small place but rich in history. I thought the entrance fees were abit steep for the average experience.

This Buddhist temple in Vientaine was built in 1818 on the order of King Anouvong. It may be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. There is a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images within the temple. The temple is unusual as it has an eclectic mix of Buddhist building styles and also houses a museum.

Nice place. A lot to see and there is a museum to see. But always remeber to follow the rule, a lot of sign rule here inside the museum. There is a toilet as well, a souvenir (painting) The ticket for the museum is 30.000 kip for foreigner and 5.000 kip for local.

A must-visit place in Vientiane because it is beautiful and elegant with rich history and stories. It also serves as a small galley to tell the story and history behind it once you purchase the ticket and walk inside and all the way to the top. The view on the top is incredible. Don’t miss out on it.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions that you must visit if you are in Laos. A nice place to take a photos. The architecture is beautiful. Highly recommended!

Beautiful building with some interesting history which you can read about inside when you climb up. The view from the top is great, you can see all of Vientiane. Also if you come at the right time, the music will start playing and the fountains start to dance along to the music - I think it may be around 4pm or 4:30pm.

A great place to visit, take photos, etc. It has a pool where a very pleasant water show starts at 4 p.m. Nearby, there are shops selling water, coffee, and other items. To go up there they charge 30 kip. For a more panoramic view

The Victory Monument in downtown Vientiane, Laos, was built between 1957 and 1968. Known as Patuxai, Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, is a war monument dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. A piece of interesting history : the monument was built using American funds and cement actually intended to build a new airport. Knowing the history made the visit more interesting

Of course, a must see place in Vientiane, so why then are there SO few visitor who are prepared to pay the small fee to enter？It's half the cost of a coffee in Vientiane... 🤔 It's worth the price, not only for the spectacular views, but also because of the history panels on tbe upper floors which shows its evolution and also provides other supplementary cultural and historical information. Interestingly, some of these are mounted on exposed walls so you can actually see the structure; a great touch. Only downsides were noisy locals and their unruly offspring who running around and touching the panels, the fact the place smelt like a Grab taxi, and the utter ignorance of ”Alex and Serein“ who, thinking their ancestors colonial acts were not bad enough chose to deface a national monument... well done you, your parents must be so proud of how they raised you.

well worth a visit on a clear day. I belive night has light shows on the fountains but then can't go up. very hot up there so take sunglasses etc.

The Golden Heart of Laos – A Must-Visit Landmark in Vientiane Pha That Luang, also known as the Great Stupa, is the most iconic and sacred monument in Laos. Located a few kilometers from the city center, this golden stupa stands proudly as a symbol of Lao identity, Buddhism, and national pride. Visiting here feels like stepping into the spiritual heart of the country. The main stupa is completely covered in gold paint and shines beautifully under the sunlight. It’s surrounded by smaller stupas, temples, and statues that add to the site’s grandeur. The architecture is both impressive and symbolic — every level of the structure represents a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment. The golden color glows even more brightly in the early morning or late afternoon, making it perfect for photos. Inside the compound, there are several shrines and Buddha images, along with a small museum that explains the history of Pha That Luang and its restorations. The grounds are spacious, clean, and peaceful, with plenty of areas to walk around or sit quietly. You can truly feel the spiritual atmosphere here, especially when local monks and worshippers come to pray. The entrance fee is 30,000 Kip for foreigners and 5,000 Kip for locals, which is very reasonable. Whether you’re interested in architecture, religion, or Lao culture, Pha That Luang is an absolute must-see when visiting Vientiane — a golden symbol of faith and unity that truly represents the soul of Laos. 🌕🙏

Wonderful day celebrating the holiday with my family. We went in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, but all the vendors were still available selling local, delicious food and drinks. We had a wonderful time. If you don't know, long pants and full shirts are required to enter the temple itself. If you don't wear that, the proper attire can be rented for a very small fee and deposit just outside the actual temple. See photos attached. Beautiful Buddhist Temple. Must see if you're in Vientiane

The stupa was built by King Setthathirat in 1566, after Vientiane became the capital of Laos. With a height of 44 meters, Pha That Luang has a pinnacle covered in real gold, with a set of painted turrets surrounding its central stupa. Incidentally Pha That Luang means 'great golden stupa'. Impressive glittery structure

A gorgeous gold pagoda or stupa. The surrounding temple area has many artefacts to check out. This a place worth visiting, there is also a statue of a Lao king outside the main complex. A good way to escape the heat of the Laotian weather is to walk under the cool clay tiled corridors - a bit of ancient engineering to battle the afternoon heat.

Beautiful monument, the gold paint shimmers in sun light. Very calm and positive energies. You can sit, meditate and relax.

This is an iconic Lao monument, so worth seeing just for that. With ticket you don't get to enter it or anything like that, you just see an inner courtyard and can get a little bit closer, and a few steps up to some shrines. So for buget travelers a good opportunity to save $1.50 and see almost the same from outside. Also, abandon all hope of wrong cultural dancing, not allowed.

Awesome historical temple, it was a dream to make it there. However, to be the most symbolic temple in Laos I think they could do a better job with the maintenance of the place.

This was our second time visiting this temple, and it remains just as impressive and meaningful. 🛕 Located on a mountain, the temple is very beautifully maintained – clean, peaceful, and really grand in design. 🌿 Every visit brings a sense of calm and positive energy. 🙏 A truly spiritual place that’s both powerful and serene.

Beautiful temple with an amazing view from the mountain top. Such a beautiful and peaceful place. One of the most beautiful reclining Buddha I have ever seen. Absolutely recommend going to see this place. Very inspiring 🙏🏼

Wow a really good looking temple quite high up. It is reached by taxi you pay for at the bottom. Very clean and well kept and definitely worth a visit for the amazing views. When you get back on the taxi it will take you to another much higher temple you reach by many steps I cannot tell about this as I didn't want to climb up but it did look like it would have been worth it.

This temple is located at a beautiful mountainous forest reserve area in Udo Thani province. The buildings and the surroundings are well maintained. The 20-meter-long white marble reclining Buddha statue is impressive and most notable features of the temple. This statue was built with 3 white marble blocks imported from Italy and then sculpted in Thailand. The surrounding scenery from the temple is beautiful and unique.

Nice temple . Cannot drive up to temple . Got to park our car at visitor center. To buy tuk tuk ticket for 30 baht each pax . Many parking space

Located down a small country road in the middle of no where is an amazing temple. Well worth the effort to find it. Amazing structure, colours, detail and the size is just so impressive. A must do if you are in the upper Thailand area.

Amazing temple on top of a hill. Inside a 20 meters long reclining Buddha in marble. The Temple was built around the statue because of its size. One donateur has contributed to pay to the whole structure. The view from the Temple is not special but the Temple itself is a beauty with the dominant blue color for the roof.

This is an amazing place! To relax, explore, have fun, picnic with family or friends! 20k per person - you have a boat, 1 huge cave to explore(2 sides), 1 water cave, a blue lagoon (more like a water park with zipping, jumping stages, etc) and a picnic area with tables and some stores to buy food, clothes, etc. Bring your shorts/bikini or you will regret it.

U have to hop into a small boat which is not a boat by anyway 🤣. It was so breathtaking this cave. Wonderful to explore this cave. Very easy to get to. 😍 A very beautiful view is awaiting from the top. Need to climbs few hundred steps (roughly 300+) if I not mistaken.

The prettiest of all lagoons, well developed with some jumping thingies, zip line, amaaaaazing water cave & a normal cave that has lights and a walking path. Chill spot no matter your age There's changing rooms & toilets Unfortunately defecating and urinating in the cave prohibited, unless u can afford it The bridge to the lagoon was crushed by the river couple of years ago, there's a cool boat taking you to the other side for 20k

A nice cave near the city center. 30k KIP to enter. You cross the river by a float to reach the other side. Bring good shoes because it might be slippery in the cave. Bring swimming suit because there is a nice blue lake? And many people enjoy swimming inside

A spacious cave along the Nam Song River, notable for its historic significance as it was discovered during the civil war when nearby villagers were seeking refuge deep in the forest. Because its high location offered a perfect view of Vang Vieng, the entire village moved there to sit out the war. Need to climb a few hundred steps of stone stairway to reach the entrance of the cave. A walk round the cave should take less than an hour

I came here on October 7, 2025. I think it's more worthwhile than Blue Lagoon 1 and 3. It's very close to the city, the water is very blue, and there are three diving platforms, 3 meters, 6.5 meters, and 8 meters respectively. I chose 3 meters and 6.5 meters, because I really didn't dare to jump at 8 meters. There is also a zipline diving. There are also two barbecues inside. The strange thing is that the grilled cabbage and grilled chicken gizzards are the same price, both 5000 kip a string, and the grilled chicken legs are 40,000 kip each. There are not many people. What I still don't understand is that I bought a 20,000 kip ticket and took a boat here. I saw a tire adventure at the entrance of the cave, so I took a tire. It happened to be a dark-skinned middle-aged uncle who said it would charge 20,000 kip per person. I gave it to him. Can anyone who knows tell me whether the tire is paid?

Incredible caves and several other options to explore here. Caves are beautiful but you need to walk up lots of steps to enter.

Yes it's a nice place. Water is cold, but in low season there are places to sit. It's also safe enough or I was lucky to find my belongings still there after going for a dip. There are lockers for a price and also life jackets if you don't swim. The current is moderate and the jump from the tree is a bit scary but super fun.

We paid a small entry fee to access this place and we thought it www great value for money. The lagoon was beautiful and the jumps were also fun, they had plenty of places to sit down and also some places selling food which was great. We went in the week and didn’t find it busy. The caves are also a good addition to this place but are quite difficult to get to; the steps aren’t normal ones they are quite dangerous but if relatively fit you should be fine.

Lovely little lagoon, everyone we spoke to said it was so busy when they went but when we went it seemed like we were the only ones in the water. Cool platform to jump off of. Water level was too high to use the ropes. Nice and shaded though!

Visited the cave and the experience was amazing! You had to climb 120m which was not so steep, but some areas were. There was a bamboo pole you can hold to but be careful, some rocks were slippery. You need a torch to be able to see inside the cave. My kids enjoyed it. It was their first time cave exploring. The lagoon was nice too but we didn't try swimming on it. Maybe next time. 😊

A place where you literally have "blue water" A beautiful place for natural swimming, with fish swimming everywhere between you. Inside the premises there are several possibilities for lunch or coffee. One negative factor is that most of the tourists don't follow the water, they just stand everywhere and take pictures, sometimes they get in the way, there were a lot of them. You can also go to a beautiful cave, you will be offered a torch for 20,000 kip and they will tell you that you need it or you will not see anything. That's stupid, you don't need it. Overall, a nice place

This is a smaller lagoon but still worth a visit. It is quite built up around it there are many shops and restaurants. Entry costs 20K per person. There isn’t a lot to do other than swim at this lagoon apart from a raised platform to jump from. There are lots of fish in the water too which is cool to watch. There is also a cave on the site but we did not visit.

Cool spot, lots of things to do! In the lagoon, if u look closely, there's some fishes in the water, u can feed. U can also swim with them too, but they snack on your feet a bit. Not everyone likes that. Water super refreshing, worth the bite tho. Quite rocky gravel everywhere, no shoes = ouch. One can also jump from jumping thingy, like 8m high to the lagoon, quite sick, not gonna lie Only con - slack line didn't work :c Cave - woah, the biggest and most awesome one I've been to. Take a head torch with u or rent it at the bottom (20k), possible to do without shoes but hella slippery

Ave was not accessible noemde to the rains of recent. Seems like a fun place though. Drove out on scooters, where you had to wade through water and drive over some loose rocks but it’s well doable. There was no entrance fee but that might be because it wasn’t in operation.

Great visit to this cave, you basically pull yourself through with a rope and explore the river that runs through the place. You get given a head torch when you pay for a ticket and this is sufficient to see within the cave. They also have zip lining there too which was really fun; we had about 7/8 different zip lines… men beware that the last one will absolutely hurt your nuts!

About a 35 minute scooter ride from the main town, very bumpy roads, so keep your concentration whilst driving. 30,000kip entry each, which includes the water cave tubing (zipline is extra, we did not do that). Very cold water (end of Jan). You get into a rubber tube and pull yourself through the cave on a rope, the first 80m is all that people seemed to do, but if you read the signs before you go inside, there's actually 300m more. Once you do the first 80m you hit the ground, here you need to get out and carry your tube and walk a further 20m and then get back in and carry on for 300m. There was noone else doing this, so it was incredibly eerie for us, just a dark cave in water, pulling along a rope with just a head torch. At about 100m the rope stops and is broken, however you can get out, walk a bit further down and the rope carries on, it's just broken for a section, up to you if you want to carry on and it's extremely eerie 🤣

🚨‼️WARNING‼️🚨 Just before you enter the property there is a little old steel bridge to cross. A guy will jump up and will tell you to pay 10,000 kip to cross the bridge. DO NOT PAY! and just drive over. This is not official. They can be aggressive but just drive away! The cave was a very cool experience! Its 30,000 kip per person and you will get a tube and an good working head torch included for that price. The water is quite fresh (March 9) half way in the cave the water gets warmer. I would definitely recommend doing this.

The water cave was a fun thing to do, but the zipline was awesome and worth the visit. Followed by the elephant cave (underwhelming!), and the Blue Lagoon 4, we had another awesome day in Laos!

Visiting Tham Nam, the Water Cave, is such a refreshing experience. The cave itself is beautiful, with clear, cool water perfect for a dip after exploring. The surrounding area is peaceful, and there are spots to rest and enjoy a snack, making it a lovely escape from the heat.

Part of a half day tour we booked. I'd recommend you book both water cave tubing + zipline here, because if you're only tubing, you still need to wait here for the people that are ziplining (approx 40 min). Ziplining here sounds fun, they take you to do 8 or 9 different lines.

Just spent two nights and three days and had the most beautiful time. The elephants look so happy and well looked after and great to see them playing and wandering around. All the money goes to the conservation center so your helping these beautiful animals hopefully get back into the wilds

Our stay at the Elephant Conservation Center was truly unforgettable! You can immediately feel the passion and dedication of the team, who work tirelessly to protect elephants in Laos and provide them with a safe home. The encounters with the elephants were impressive and always conducted with the highest respect for the animals. The insights into the projects and conservation efforts were deeply moving and showed us how important this work is. The food was excellent and varied, and the bungalows were beautiful, comfortable, and perfectly located to enjoy the peace and nature all around. The entire team was incredibly warm, helpful, and professional. We felt welcome from the very first moment. We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Elephant Conservation Center – not only do you contribute directly to the protection of elephants, but you also take home memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for this wonderful experience!

Visiting ECC during our trip to Laos was an amazing experience. It was extremely moving to watch and walk with elephants that are obviously happy. We learned so much about elephants and their challenges in Laos. And we had a gorgeous and very comfortable stay at their facilitiea/property. If you travel Laos, ECC is a must do activity!

We had the incredible opportunity to spend two nights at the Elephant Conservation Center, one of the few centers making a genuine attempt at conservation and rewilding in the country. The elephant conservation center began as a health clinic for elephants, but slowly expanded into a full conservation center that aims to rescue, rehabilitate, reherd, research, reproduce, and ultimately rewild elephants. This is an immensely challenging project. Elephants that arrive at the sanctuary are often physically and emotionally traumatised - years spent working for humans leaves them psychologically scarred, while the lack of socialisation and independence means that they don't know how to interact with other elephants, and how to 'just be' in the wild. At the center, each elephant has a dedicated Mahout who is responsible for interacting with the elephant - this process alone can take time to get the elephant to trust its new Mahout, while the Mahouts are trained to avoid traditional punishment practices, striving for positive reinforcement instead. The elephants get regular health checks by dedicated vets and endocrine tests to determine fertility, and are observed by behavioral biologists with the aim of figuring out which other elephants they may get along with, and when good breeding opportunities may arise. Set between many hectares of hilly forest, the elephants at the center have ample room to roam around, eating natural food, that is also supplemented with banana and sugarcane plantations in the center. Over our two days, we watched the elephants bathe, eat, socialise, and roam around, and we fell in love with these majestic, gentle giants. Our guide Mr. Sou was amazing - a friendly and welcoming man who exuded kindness, knowledge, and wisdom, and very clearly has a passion for his work. We feel honoured and lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time and learn from him, and we'll never forget him. The accommodation at the center was rustic, charming, simple, and beautiful. We loved our bungalow and the sounds of the forest at night. Beautiful sunsets and stars too, and opportunities to relax in the cozy common spaces. Given high temperatures during the day, we were initially worried about lack of aircon but it was no problem - it was very cool at night in our bungalow. The food was plentiful and good, and there was coffee available at all times. This is a magical place and the work done here is impressive and important. Don't think about it - visit here instead of touristy elephant places that allow harmful practices and consider your stay as a donation to elephant care. It's totally worth the money and time commuting on a bumby road from Luang Prabang (the drive is arranged by the centre). Thank you to everyone in the centre and especially Mr Sou.

The ECC is such an amazing experience. What a great program to rehabilitate and care for captive elephants, working towards increasing populations and rewilding. We stayed there for two days one night and had such a great opportunity to learn about the Asian elephant and see them up close in a natural setting. It was so rewarding to see them behaving as social animals and going through their daily routine with minimal guidance from their mahouts. Our guide Mr Lar was amazing and we're so grateful to him and all the ECC team for this experience.

This was a great experience. I only stayed one night, but if my schedule had allowed, I would have stayed two. The education on how elephants live was amazing! Seeing them in a semi-natural habitat is amazing. And they explain why these elephants can’t just be released on their own, but you will have to visit to find out. The bungalow was comfortable and clean.

Super expérience at the ECC. The location is magical and the programme is truly fascinating. The staff is super engaged and knowledgable, they work hard towards an essential goal and it’s very inspiring. I strongly recommend going