Sala Kaeo Ku—Nong Khai, Thailand
Posted by: 
Ianatlarge
N 17° 53.250 E 102° 46.860
48Q E 264894 N 1979137
A famous "Buddha Park", in northern Thailand.
Waymark Code: WMFVQ3
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 12/04/2012
Views: 2
Sala Kaeo Ku or Wat Khaek, also, informally in English "Buddha Park", is a major attraction of the small, northern Thai city of Nong Khai. The Park is located ~3kms to the east of the city (100 baht tuk tuk ride—please, don't pay more than that, it's embarrassing).
The Park consists of two hundred or so (several different figures are given, and there are some very small statues) of Buddhist and Hindu, gods, folk legends, symbols, mythical creatures, and demons. It was created by a Lao national Luangpu Bunluea Surirat , in the 1970s. His intent was to showcase the different religious and cultural traditions of the east. Earlier, he had built a similar park across the Mekong, near the city of Vientiane. The Park is under the care of the Nong Khai Buddhist Association.
There are various stories and legends about the Park, and apparently it was built with free labour, and donations. It is now a major source of tourist revenue for the city, as people head through the town, on to Laos or back to Bangkok.
Visiting the Park is worthwhile. At the main entrance there are dozens of small shops selling everything from icecream to miniature (and not so miniature) reproductions of the sculptures. Entry is an amazingly cheap 20 baht, donation. Once inside there are several hours of wandering through the Park. As far as I can gather there is no 'centrality' to the design. Everything is where the people who crafted what they crafted is located. There are giant statues of the Buddha, in various guises, spirits, dragons, Naga, and many others I do not recognise.
There is no info pamphlet, nor much signage. Just go in and take a look. There is what appears to be a new building near the main entrance, but it was unused when I visited (March 2012).
The waymark location is the main entrance to the Park. Take water and a hat, it is hot. Dress modestly, don't climb, stay out of trouble.
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Daily: 07.00-17.00.
Admission Prices:
20 baht (foreigner)
10 baht (Thai)
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Half of a day (2-5 hours)
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle or Public Transportation
The attraction’s own URL: Not listed
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