Sandstone Buddha Sculptures

It isn’t where one would expect to find a tribute to the most sacred figure in the Eastern world, but there they are: the familiar faces of Buddha carved into an outcrop on the side of the road. The carvings depict the religious figure lying sideways, with his regal head resting on the palm of his hand, and standing upright, with plump cheeks and giant eyes looking out towards the desolate flooded forests of Nam Theun on the other side of Route 1E. 

This road is part of a motorbiking circuit known as the Thakhek Loop, the singular, cave-studded attraction that puts Khammouane province on the tourist map of Laos. The art installation comprises multiple versions of the Buddha, some demanding attention and others subtle, easy to overlook amid the cliffside shrubbery. 

Carving the Buddha into rock is a Laotian tradition that dates back to at least the 10th century, but it’s unclear precisely how old the sandstone sculptures of Khammouane are. There are no signs explaining when they were made or why they’re there, on the fringes of Nakai Nam Theun National Park, along a stretch of unassuming pavement south of Lak Sao. There are only narrow pull-offs leaving locals and tourists just enough room to hop off their bikes and leave an offering at the base of the holy boulders.