Buddha Park · Vientiane, Laos
How to Get to Buddha Park from Vientiane (2026)
Buddha Park sits about 25 km east of central Vientiane on Thadeua Road, a few minutes from the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. It is an easy half-day trip: the classic way in is Bus 14 from the Talat Sao bus terminal, but tuk-tuks, ride-hailing apps, rented motorbikes and hotel shuttles all work too. Here is every option, with the costs visitors have actually reported.
Last reviewed: Directions and fares reviewed October 2026
Where the park is
- About 25 km east of central Vientiane, on Thadeua Road (Route 13 south)
- Deua village, Thanon Tha District, Vientiane Capital, Laos
- A short drive from the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge to Nong Khai, Thailand
- Plus Code: WQ67+WW · Coordinates: 17.9124°N, 102.7622°E
- Bus 14's final stop is the park itself — no walk from the road
Bus 14 — the classic budget route
Public Bus 14 is the cheapest and most backpacker-friendly way to reach Buddha Park. It starts at the Talat Sao (Morning Market) bus terminal in central Vientiane and its terminus is the park entrance on Thadeua Road.
Fares have risen: recent reports from 2025–2026 put the one-way fare at around 18,000 LAK (older guides, including this site's previous figure of 6,000 LAK, are outdated). Buses run roughly every 15–20 minutes and the ride takes about 45–60 minutes. Pay cash on board and keep small notes.
- Board at Talat Sao bus terminal, central Vientiane
- Ask for "Wat Xieng Khouane" / "Buddha Park" — the terminus is hard to miss
- Return buses run until the late afternoon; confirm the last departure before the park closes at 17:00
- The bus can be hot and slow — budget the full hour each way
Tuk-tuk or chartered car
Tuk-tuks and chartered cars will take you door to door, and most drivers near the city centre know the park. There is no meter: agree the round-trip price and the waiting time before you leave, and have the driver wait or fix a pick-up hour in advance — finding a return ride at the park can take time.
Ride-hailing apps
Ride-hailing apps such as Loca and KokKok Move operate in Vientiane and give upfront pricing. Coverage is strongest in the city centre and thinner out by the park, so pin your pick-up point at the park gate for the return trip and allow extra waiting time.
Rented motorbike
Independent riders can follow Thadeua Road east for about 25 km. Traffic is mixed and the surface changes along the way — wear a helmet, ride in daylight, and lock the bike at the gate area. Fuel stations line the Friendship Bridge road if you need to top up before heading back.
From Wattay International Airport (VTE)
- The airport is about 30 km from the park — roughly 40–60 minutes by road
- Take an airport taxi or a ride-hailing app straight to the gate, or
- Save money: get into the city first, then catch Bus 14 from Talat Sao
From Nong Khai, Thailand (Friendship Bridge)
The park is the natural first stop after crossing into Laos. Clear immigration and any visa-on-arrival formalities at the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, then continue about 10 minutes by road to the entrance. Check current visa-on-arrival rules and fees with official Lao immigration before you travel.
Tours and hotel shuttles
Many Vientiane guesthouses and hotels run or book a half-day trip that pairs Buddha Park with other eastern sights. It costs more than Bus 14 but removes the logistics — useful if you are short on time or travelling in a small group.
Map
The park is easy to find once you are on Thadeua Road: follow the road east past the Friendship Bridge turn-offs and the Bus 14 terminus is the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Buddha Park from central Vientiane? +
About 25 km east of the city centre, on Thadeua Road (Route 13 south), near the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
How much does Bus 14 to Buddha Park cost? +
Around 18,000 LAK one way according to 2025–2026 visitor reports. Older guides still show 6,000 LAK, which is outdated. Fares change — confirm at the terminal.
Where do I catch Bus 14 to Buddha Park? +
At the Talat Sao (Morning Market) bus terminal in central Vientiane. Bus 14's final stop is Buddha Park itself.
Can I get to Buddha Park by tuk-tuk? +
Yes. Agree the round-trip price and waiting time before departing, as there is no meter and return rides at the park are less frequent.
Is there parking at Buddha Park? +
Yes — open-air parking for cars, tour vans and motorbikes sits by the gate. Shaded spaces fill early on weekends and holidays.
How do I get to Buddha Park from Wattay Airport? +
It is about 30 km (40–60 minutes). Take an airport taxi or ride-hailing app directly, or reach Talat Sao first and transfer to Bus 14.
Can I visit Buddha Park coming from Nong Khai? +
Yes. Cross the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, complete Lao entry formalities, and continue about 10 minutes by road to the park.
What time is the last bus back from Buddha Park? +
Return buses leave in the late afternoon, but timetables change without notice. Aim to be heading back well before the park closes at 17:00, and confirm the last departure locally.
Buddha Park on the map
Plus Code WQ67+WW · 17.9124°N, 102.7622°E
Related guides
This is an independent, non-commercial visitor guide — not an official site of the park or any agency. Prices and timetables change; please verify on site.