Sala Keo Kou Sculpture Park Revisted
I wrote about Sala Keo Kou Sculpture Park back in 2009. That was my first visit there, and I’ve been back a few times since. The most recent one being January this year. Not a lot has changed since 2009 – entrance is still 20 THB, and Nong Khai’s sculpture park again breathed the same charm and beauty.
Sala Keo Kou Sculpture Park – Nong Khai
The main change since my first visit is my camera. The quality is much improved. By no means perfect, but an upgrade nonetheless. I hope the photographs impress enough to entice at least one reader to visit Sala Keo Kou Sculpture Park.
The sculptures are impressive, and there’s plenty of them to impress you. Wikipedia has a page detailing the history of the park. Worth a read.
Sala Keo Kou was founded by Thai born spiritual cult leader and sculptor Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat (1932-1996) who years earlier constructed the Buddha Park near Vientiane, Laos.
‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.’ – Michelangelo
In my opinion, the sculpture park is an extraordinary feat of creativity and craftsmanship. To some eyes, Nong Khai’s jewel in the crown. Weather permitting, it is an enjoyable place to visit. No hard sell attached. Just 20 baht.
I’m not sure how many 20 baht notes you would need to buy a jet wash, but some of the statues do look grimy. Perchance, that adds a vein of character to the sculptures. That aside, the stone carvings are very impressive.
The sculpture park has never been overflowing with visitors during my visits. Always a sparse or steady stream of sightseers and Facebook junkies. That’s not a bad thing (crowd levels).
One of the main attractions at Sala Keo Kou is the Buddhist Wheel of Life. Thais seem drawn to it and below is an extract from my 2009 post which may explain what it is all about.
One of the main features is The Buddhist Wheel of Life, a concrete anthology of sculptures that follow the Buddhist path from birth through the life cycle – childhood, marriage, old age, death and eventual rebirth to a better life as reward for merit made in their previous one.
Sala Keo Kou Pavilion (picture above) is three-storey and safeguards the preserved body of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. The shrine is on the third floor and has images of Bunleua Suliat and varied artefacts. As can be seen, the pavilion merits a look-see. It is an impressive sight.
Further Information & Map
The sculpture park has some food, clothing, souvenir and bric-à-brac market stalls outside. And the customary lottery ticket seller too. There are ample car parking spaces and toilet facilities also. For the most part, everything you may need.
Address – Wat That, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Entry Fees – Tourists 20 THB.
Open – 8am-6pm Monday-Sunday
Click on the map to enlarge.
I have been to this sculpture park a couple of times. It is indeed most impressive and not a lot of tourists when i have been there. Just some school children and Thais. Refresments and some small vendor tents for souveniors.
Peter – Sala Keo Kou is a very pleasant place to visit. Hassle free. Far removed from a tourist beach.
As we were about to leave a multi-coloured coach pulled up full of school kids. Bet they were impressed with the park.