Wat Ho Phra keo, Vientiane, Laos.
Wat Ho Phra Keo formerly housed the Emerald Buddha, which is now in Bangkok, Thailand.
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Lao NEWS on LNTV: Hor Pha Keo museum in central Vientiane as a must-see for visitors.23/5/2016
VO Local tour operators always list the Hor Pha Keo museum in central Vientiane as a must-see for visitors
INTRO: Local tour operators always list the Hor Pha Keo museum in central Vientiane as a must-see for visitors thanks to its impressive architecture and collection of prized artefacts. According to Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Bouangeun Xaphouvong, Hor Pha Keo temple or museum is one of the most respected places in Laos and is also open for visitors to explore its antiquities.
STORY: Hor Pha Keo is one of the oldest buildings in Vientiane and was used as a royal chapel during the time of the Lane Xang Kingdom and also housed the precious Emerald Buddha (Pha Keo). It was built in 1565 during the reign of King Setthathirath.
The building was badly damaged several times by enemies but it was twice restored. The first renovation occurred in 1816 when Chao Anouvong ruled Vientiane, while the second renovation was undertaken between 1936 and1942.
A visit to Hor Pha Keo often inspires visitors to delve into Laos' rich past with the site being the former resting place of the revered Emerald Buddha.
Interview: Bouangeun Xaphouvong, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism,
…. English….
According to Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Bouangeun Xaphouvong, the Hor Pha Keo temple or museum is one of the most respected places in Laos and is also open for visitors to explore its antiquities.
Interview: Bouangeun Xaphouvong, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism,
…. English….
According to him, each year, as there were a large number of tourists visiting the museum, the building's age required that it be restored.
After national liberation in 1975, the government placed Hor Pha Keo under the management of the Ministry of Education and it became a museum in 1987.
From 1983-1987, Hor Pha Keo was under the responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Interview: ….
The MICT’senoir official, who has headed the Hor Pha Keo Museum renovation project committee since 2015, said the restoration would make the place more attractive to foreign and local visitors alike.
Restoration of the Hor Pha Keo Museum began in January 2015 and the Vientiane authority will continue to rally financial support for the project until all the work is finished.
The current renovation of the museum is the third major overhaul since it was built in 1565 during the reign of King Saysetthathirath.
The museum was destroyed when the Siamese invaded Vientiane in 1779 and took the Emerald Buddha to Siam (Thailand). The Emerald Buddha is now housed in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
The Siamese invaded Vientiane again in 1826-29, sacked and burned the city and once again destroyed the temple.
After national liberation in 1975, the government placed Hor Pha Keo under the management of the Ministry of Education and it was designated a national museum in 1987.
From 1983-1987 Hor Pha Keo came under the responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Over the years, renovation of the museum has been supported not only by the government, but also by many donors from Laos and overseas.
Lao NEWS on LNTV: Ho Pha Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples.22/2/2016
VO Ho Pha Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples
INTRO: Renovation of the Hor Pha Keo Museum is now about 80 percent complete. The project to restore the museum began in early 2015. It is recorded that, Ho Pha Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples, which was used as the royal chapel of the Lao monarchy, but more importantly it was built to house the Emerald Buddha.
STORY: Officials from the Vientiane Administration Office and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism arranged a ceremony to conclude the project as well as an almsgiving ceremony where presided over by 41 monks at the museum on the weekend of February 21-22.
President Choummaly Sayasone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Phankham Viphavanh were among devotees attending the two-day celebration.
The project to restore the museum began in early 2015, featuring improvements to the roof, ceiling, and the walls inside and surrounding the museum.
According to a report on the renovation, less than 20 percent of the work remains to be completed in the second and third phases of the project.
This will focus on the floor and other painting work around the museum. Workers will also restore the garden, drains, lighting, security and other features.
Officials also reported that funding for the renovation project came from the government, donations from local people, foreigners and international organisations as well as entry fees to the museum.
Ho Pha Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples, which was used as the royal chapel of the Lao monarchy, but more importantly it was built to house the Emerald Buddha.
The first renovation took place in 1816 during the reign of Chao Anouvong, while the second renovation was undertaken between the years 1936-1942.
After national liberation in 1975, the government placed Hor Pha Keo under the management of the Ministry of Education.
From 1983-1987, the museum was under the supervision of the then Ministry of Information and Culture. It became a full museum in 1987.
Lao NEWS on LNTV: Renovation of the Hor Pha Keo Museum is now about 80 percent complete.17/2/2016
VO Renovation of the Hor Pha Keo Museum is now about 80 percent complete
INTRO: Renovation of the Hor Pha Keo Museum is now about 80 percent complete, according to the Vice Mayor of Vientiane Saythong Keoduangdy, less than 20 percent of the work remains to be completed in the second and third phases of the project.
STORY: Speaking at a press conference at the museum on Tuesday, the Vice Mayor of Vientiane said the first phase of the restoration was almost 100 percent complete, which was why officials were now announcing the fact to the public.
According to a report on the renovation, less than 20 percent of the work remains to be completed in the second and third phases of the project. This will focus on the floor and other painting work around the museum. Workers will also restore the garden, drains, lighting, security and other features.
Officials also reported that funding for the renovation project came from the government, donations from local people, foreigners and international organisations as well as entry fees to the museum.
Officials from the Vientiane Administration Office and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will arrange a ceremony to conclude the project as well as an almsgiving ceremony presided over by 41 monks at the museum on the weekend of February 21-22.
Ho Pha Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples, which was used as the royal chapel of the Lao monarchy, but more importantly it was built to house the Emerald Buddha.
The first renovation took place in 1816 during the reign of Chao Anouvong, while the second renovation was undertaken between the years 1936-1942.
After national liberation in 1975, the government placed Hor Pha Keo under the management of the Ministry of Education.
From 1983-1987, the museum was under the supervision of the then Ministry of Information and Culture. It became a full museum in 1987.
Hor Pha Keo restoration nearing completion
Renovation of the Hor Pha Keo Museum is now about 80 percent complete, according to the Vice Mayor of Vientiane Mr Saythong Keoduangdy.
Speaking at a press conference at the museum yesterday, Mr Saythong said the first phase of the restoration was almost 100 percent complete, which was why officials were now announcing the fact to the public.
The project to restore the museum began in early 2015, featuring improvements to the roof, ceiling, and the walls inside and surrounding the museum.
“We have completed those jobs and now our workers are focusing on the painting and texturing of the walls,” Mr Saithong said.
According to a report on the renovation, less than 20 percent of the work remains to be completed in the second and third phases of the project.
This will focus on the floor and other painting work around the museum. Workers will also restore the garden, drains, lighting, security and other features.
Officials also reported that funding for the renovation project came from the government, donations from local people, foreigners and international organisations as well as entry fees to the museum.
Project Secretary Mr Khampadith Kemmanith said they spent over 5 billion kip on the first phase, while the second phase will have a similar cost. The total budget for the entire restoration project is about 12 billion kip.
Officials from the Vientiane Administration Office and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will arrange a ceremony to conclude the project as well as an almsgiving ceremony presided over by 41 monks at the museum on the weekend of February 21-22.
Mr Saithong asked local people to come to observe the progress of the restoration as well as attend the almsgiving ceremony.
“We would like them to see what we have done because they want to know and this weekend will be a good time to do it so we will arrange the ceremony for government officials and the public to see the museum together,” he sai d.
Ho Pha Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples, which was used as the royal chapel of the Lao monarchy, but more importantly it was built to house the Emerald Buddha.
The first renovation took place in 1816 during the reign of Chao Anouvong, while the second renovation was undertaken between the years 1936-1942.
After national liberation in 1975, the government placed Hor Pha Keo under the management of the Ministry of Education.
From 1983-1987, the museum was under the supervision of the then Ministry of Information and Culture. It became a full museum in 1987.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
(Latest Update February 17, 2016)
Wat Sud Tawad: Vientiane, Laos
Here I take a look around Wat Sud Tawad, located on the edge of the city on the main road to the Friendship Bridge.
The temple has very large walled grounds, with many tress. This time of the year the grounds are full of colour from the flowering trees and together with the gold painted Buddha images makes for an impressive site.
Hor Phra Keo Temple in Vientiane Laos 06
Haw Phra Kaew Visit at Vientiane, Laos
Shrikant Kelkar's visit to Ho Phra Keo at Vientiane, Laos in September 2015
Renovation of Hor Phra Keo Museum to start soon
The restoration project of Hor Phra Keo Museum, the most impressive and interesting tourist site in Vientiane is set to kick off this year after many parts of the building both inside and outside have become worn-out.
Work on the project requires funding of about 7-8 billion kip to buy materials to replace broken and damaged parts of the museum building, including walls, roof and floor tiles. The renovation is scheduled to take 12 months to complete once sufficient budget is in place, the national committee in charge has said.
In preparation for the project, the committee has plans to hold a ceremony in October to officially kick start the fundraising drive from the public and other donors, both locally and overseas, to contribute to the work.
The information was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Dr Phankham Viphavanh, who is in charge of social culture affairs, while meeting with senior officials and committee in charge of the project yesterday.
During the meeting, Dr Phankham asked for concerned officials to work together on the restoration project of Hor Phra Keo Museum, stressing that the committee in charge and personnel at all levels should increase their efforts in attempting to complete the project on time in order to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the establishment of the museum (1565-2015).
Dr Phankham said that renovating the Hor Phra Keo Museum was significant for Lao history, because it had become a place to visit and learn about the nation's culture.
He said, “The renovation of the museum will mark the third major overhaul since it was built in 1565 by King Saysetthathirath.”
Visitors to the museum can see many examples of ancient stone tablets. On each side are a line of incredible bronze Buddha statues, with more statues located at the other end of the temple. Inside Ho Phra Keo is the main museum, which contains an altar for the Emerald Buddha and other Buddhist artefacts, carvings and scriptures.
Each stairway on the temple has dragons running along them with their heads at the entrance, guarding the temple.
Surrounding the museum is a stone and brick wall amongst beautifully manicured gardens, with places to rest and be at peace.
Ho Phra Keo is one of Vientiane's oldest temples, which was used as the royal chapel of the Lao Monarchy, but more importantly it was built to house the Emerald Buddha.
Ho Phra Keo was destroyed when the Siamese invaded Vientiane in 1779 and took the Emerald Buddha to Siam [Thailand]. The Emerald Buddha is now housed in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
The Siamese invaded Vientiane again in 1826-29, sacked and burned the city and once again destroyed the temple.
The first renovation occurred in 1816 during the period when Chao Anouvong ruled Vientiane, while the second renovation was done between the years 1936-1942.
After the national liberation in 1975, the government placed Hor Phra Keo under the management of the Ministry of Education and it was bestowed to become the national museum in 1987.
Meanwhile from 1983-1987, Hor Phra Keo was under responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Over the years, the renovation of the museum was supported not only by the government, but also assisted by donors from overseas.
By Phaisythong Chandara
(Latest Update August 14, 2014)
Lao NEWS on LNTV: 17 golden gable finials placed atop the renovated Hor Pha Keo Museum.4/5/2015
VO 17 golden gable finials placed atop the renovated Hor Pha Keo Museum in Vientiane
INTRO: President Choummaly Sayasone and his wife on Saturday led a ceremony that saw 17 golden gable finials placed atop the renovated Hor Pha Keo Museum in Vientiane. Official said, the restoration of the Hor Pha Keo Museum was important for Lao people because it sustained their fine traditions and culture.
STORY: The restoration of the museum, one of the capital's most visited landmarks, is fully on track since beginning in December, although further public donations are needed to continue the work.
The ceremony to place the ornamental gable finials in position began with a religious ceremony led by the President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship, the Most Venerable Phong Samaleuk, and other senior monks from Vientiane temples.
This was followed by a parade of the gable finials around the museum three times, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Dr Phankham Viphavanh, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Mayor of Vientiane Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, deputy ministers, the spouses of senior government officials, and invited Vientiane residents.
The gable finials were hoisted onto the rooftop by an electric winch.
So far, the restoration project has received more than 1.1 billion kip, US$15,793 and three kilogrammes of gold from public donations, according to the committee in charge of the project.
The committee estimates that more than 6.3 billion kip will be needed to purchase new materials to restore damaged sections of the museum.
More donations of materials and cash are being sought from members of the public both at home and overseas to ensure the museum is renovated to a high standard.
It is noted that, the restoration of Hor Pha Keo is the third improvement project since the structure was first built in 1565 during the reign of King Setthathirath.
Hor Pha Keo is one of the oldest buildings in Vientiane and was used as a royal chapel during the time of the Lanexang Kingdom and also housed the precious Emerald Buddha (Pha Keo).
The building was destroyed when the Siamese (Thai) invaded Vientiane in 1779 and took the Emerald Buddha to Siam (Thailand), where it is housed in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
In 1826-29, the Siamese again invaded Vientiane and once more destroyed the temple after it had been rebuilt during the rule of King Anouvong in 1816.
Hor Pha Keo was again restored in 1936-42.
The project is slated for completion by the end of this year. All Lao people are encouraged to contribute by making donations for the improvement of one of Vientiane's most important cultural sites
Wat Mixay
This is Wat Mixay in Vientiane, Laos. I didn't want to narrate because there were a couple people praying. So I just tried to capture the majestic beauty of the temple without irritating anyone.
Hor Phra Keo Temple in Vientiane Laos 07
Lao NEWS on LNTV: Vientiane celebrating disabled & elderly people.10/10/2016
VO More than 2,000 people from various organisations gather in Vientiane celebrating disabled and elderly people
INTRO: More than 2,000 people from various organisations gathered in Vientiane on Saturday to join a walk celebrating National Day of Persons with Disabilities (September 27) and International Day of Older Persons (October 1).
STORY: The event started from Patouxay Park and travelled about 1km to the President's Office and back again.
The walk was organised by the National Committee for Disabled and Elderly in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and other organisations.
It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Governor of Vientiane Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Dr Khampheng Xaysompheng along with ambassadors to Laos and senior officials.
According to Dr Khampheng Xaysompheng, around the world there were more than one billion disabled people (15 percent of the world's population) who lacked equality in society and were in need of education, treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training and work opportunities. He said, the Lao government is trying to take care of all ethnic people, especially the disabled and elderly, and implementing plans to gradually make their lives better and the government gave high importance to people with disabilities and the elderly.
It is recorded that, around the country, there are more almost 700,000 disabled people (10-12 percent of the population) while more than 400,000 elderly people (6 percent of the population). Some disabled and elderly were able to join the walking event in the capital.
The Emerald Buddha of the Gangaramaya temple.
The replica of the Emerald Buddha from Thailand was made as a religious offering to the Gangaramaya temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka in commemoration for the event of the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival on May 21, 2016.
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Laos, Vang Sang & Vientiane
Vang Sang & Vientiane. rondreis Thailand, Laos & Cambodja 2010. Linda Roos 16
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The traffics story in Laos
My real story
Lao National Museum at Vientiane, Laos (Part - 5)
Shrikant Kelkar's visit to Lao National Museum at Ventiane, Laos in September 2015
Luang Prabang Laos
Luang Prabang Laos and surrounding area including the Mekong river