Ho Phra Keo - meaning the "Altar of the Emerald Buddha" - is but one among many ancient sites in Laos renowned for their intrinsic value in art and architecture. They collectively represent the unique Lao style and are bound up with the life and feeling of the Lao people, specifically their history since the era of the kingdom of Lane Xang (circa 1353).

Ho Phra Keo (formerly Wat Phra Keo) is still considered a most important centre of art and sculpture - reputedly the home of some of the best in Laos. It is situated next to the former Presidential Palace on the south side of Setthathirath (pronounced Set-tha-thi-rat: the H is silent) Road in the capital of Vientiane. It was originally built as a place of worship for the royal family as well as the abode of the sacred Emerald Buddha.

According to its history. Saya Setthathirath of the Kingdom of Lane Xang and his people built the temple in 1565. This was precisely one year before the commencement of the construction of the imposing That Luang stupa near the contemporary National Assembly. Thereafter, the Emerald Buddha was housed in this temple until 1778 at which time the invading Siamese forces took the exquisite jade (not really emerald) statue to Bangkok. Thailand.

Between 1828 and 1829 Vientiane was plundered and burned by the occupying Siamese army. Ho Phra Keo as well as other structures of architectural significance did not survive the Siamese ravaging and sacking. Along with all other temples in Vientiane save one - Wat Si Sa Ket - Ho Phra Keo was burnt and left in complete ruins.

After the passage of 107 years, Ho Phra Keo was restored in 1936. Since then, the temple has been repeatedly reconditioned and revitalised. Most recently, in 1993 the Ministry of Information and Culture, in cooperation with the Department of Information and Culture, Vientiane Prefecture, conducted a restoration project with a grant of DM 100,000 (US$62,000) from the Federal Republic of Germany.

Ho Phra Keo amply demonstrates the skills and creativity in both sculpture and fine arts of indigenous Lao craftsmen. It also embodies the splendour of ancient Lao design. These are demonstrated on Sofa (the elongated and elaborately carved apex of the gable of every Buddhist temple), the upper facade, various door panels and door frames, each exterior staircase, and all other parts of the temple.