Xieng Khuan Double Reclining Buddha
On my first day in Vientiane, I decided to visit the Xieng Khuan, also known as the Buddha Park, just 25km off the outskirts of the city. But before that I had to visit the Northern Bus Station to reserve a ticket to Luang Prabang. This is also my first foray to a Tourist Tuk-tuk just waiting at the side street a block away from where I was staying.
Xieng Khuan Pumpkin-like Buddha monument
So I was headed to the bus station and asked him how much. On his list is written 40,000 kip to the bus station which is ridiculous since I asked Tune, the receptionist at the hotel that they only pay 20000-25000 kip going there. When I was on my way, he said he’ll give me a discount and also offered a tour service on certain sites as well on a special price. At first I thought it was a good deal so I agreed. We went to the Bus Station only to find out you can only buy tickets for that day’s departure. I consulted with the book and remembered that I would save a lot more if I go by public bus transport at Talat Sao (Bus 14 for 5000 kip) or a regular chartered Tuk-tuk for only half the price he’s charging me which is 220,000 roughly US$ 20.
A tourist examining the row of sculptures
When were heading back, I told him we’ll cancel the tour and I’ll just pay him for the Bus Station rate. Still he insist on the tour and lowered the price a bit. We were roaming around the city and I repeatedly told him to just drop me off at the city center. then he said “Sir just please help me out here. Just for my living” then we passed by his house which he showed me was still under construction. Oh hell, call me gullible, but I got suckered through his pity pleading and we started our 1-hour ride to Xieng Khuan Buddha Park.
Portrait detail of one of the Buddha Sculptures
We arrived at Xieng Khuan where I paid 5000 kip and an additional 3000 kip for my camera. That’s when I felt I was robbed. Honestly I think Xieng Khuan is a tourist trap. It’s not that bad actually, I just thought it’s not worth how much I paid for going there. Xieng Khuan, which means Spirit City, houses the eccentric and quirky concrete sculptures of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat dating as far back as 1958. The Buddha Park isn’t that large and has some really bizarre sculptures. There’s this interesting pumpkin-like monument where you could go in and out to the open roof through an inner staircase. There’s also a large reclining Buddha there and other Hindu Shivas to the interpretation of the artist. I think one could spend a about an hour or less just going through here.
Wide top view of the Buddha Park
We went back to the city and I just told my driver to drop me off at Patuxai Monument and no longer continue with the rest of the sites. It’s just a bit frustrating to be duped off like that. I still paid him his full due but it was a hard and expensive lesson for me. It would be ok I guess if I were part of a group where I can share the expense but paying all that on my own really takes a toll on my budget.
i thought i liked those double reclining buddha images but seeing all the images, i can’t pick a single favorite. fascinating sila lahat. it’s saddening to hear what happened to you. also happened to me sa burma. sana, if we’re tourists na loaded with money but we’re backpackers watching after every dollar we exchange for the local currency. but i guess kahit saan meron nito, kahit dito sa atin. we just have to be careful and steer clear of them.
that was disappointing ferdz. this is what we get on a touristy place in a third world country. we’ll take this as an experience. thanks for sharing.
it’s really important to read reviews and tips when you visit places.
beautiful shots as always. lapit na sa luang prabang. yan talaga inaabangan ko.
you’re lucky… believe me!
when we were in huay xai, we were asked to pay 500 baht each so we can take a VIP bus to luang prabang within 10 hours. that’s 500 baht for each person, and we’re all 8!!! it turned out that the VIP bus was just a little humane than the regular bus, the aircon unit isn’t turned on unless the bus makes a stop during toilet break (but there were no toilets around… this is another story) and the entire trip lasted for 12.5 hours!!! we can’t even check if we were on the right track as no one in the bus stopovers speak english, and there was no signal for us to make a call. now, we all just laugh about it and call ourselves VIPs for getting into that VIP bus (short for Very Ignorant People). but really, it’s a horrible experience. i guess i’m lucky coz despite the fact that i’m in an all-girls group (except for my son, of course), i was still in a group. i cannot imagine what the entire trip would be like if it was just me and my son.
Just charge the incident to experience and go on from there. Talaga yatang ganyan dito sa mundo, may matulungin at may mapagsamantala – they are all over the world and they come in all shapes and colors and nobody is immune from them. Don’t let such experiences ruin your trip – you’ll run into many good-hearted ones who will make up for the losers of this world. Remember the good ones and spread their goodwill and forget about the scums of the earth. Both kinds contribute to a memorable travel experience.
Thanks Og. That double reclining buddha just caught the angle from my eye.
Thanks Dom, just goes to show it’s not always happy and dandy during travel. We encounter inconveniences such as this.
Ordeal nga yun Barok. It’s great you have company along with you.
You’re right BertN. It’s a part of travel and you decide wether it would spoil your trip or not. And good thing it didn’t. It’s actually good I experienced it which gave me more insight on how to go around the area.
The statues are really wonderful. Very interesting Ferdz!
(:
go to a tourist spot armed with your DSLR and some locals automatically see you as cash cow
Same problem I have with Habal Habal in the Philippines=
“people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones”
Mike
I suppose to visit this park as well, same thing I was charged of 500 Baht. I decided to look for a tuk tuk that would take me there, however, learning that I’m a foreigner the tuk tuk driver was asking me 200-300 Tuk tuk..crazy. kaya hindi na ako pumunta dun, that’s when I learned ng pauwi na ako na pwede palang mag bus papunta dun…