The 'Big Buddha' of Pakse City, Champasak, Laos - Buddhist Temples and Public Shrines on Waymarking.com

The southern Laos city of Pakse was designed and constructed a century ago by the French colonial administration. It is a pleasant city, and, as it is surrounded on three sides by water, it is usually cool (relatively). The city is also the largest city and the provincial capital of the Champasak province.

A sign of the slowly improving economy of the city and province (and the country) is the creation of a tourist area to the south of the city, adjacent to the 'Japanese Bridge', across the Mekong River. This still uncompleted park is highlighted by a 'Big Buddha' on a hill top, who gaze moves across the city. As at August 2011 the Buddha is not yet complete, but the final design is clear. The Buddha is an estimated 10m high, and gold in colour. It follows the design of those I have seen in Thailand.

To reach this statue one must first cross the bridge from the city. This can be down on foot, but a bike or rental vehicle is the better option. Then the ascent of the steps. I did not count, but more than a few, in several stages. Not difficult, but carry your own water. Then before you is the Buddha. Around and behind the Buddha are several structures in partial stages of construction. I suspect a prayer hall, exhibitions, and a restaurant or two.

Open to visitors?: Yes Photography Permitted Inside?: Yes Statue of the Buddha present?: Yes Related Website: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   11/19/2017 franketmuriel visited it