Wat Sisaket: A Sanctuary of Thousands of Buddhas

4.4 (2008)

Discover Vientiane's oldest temple, a serene sanctuary housing thousands of Buddha images and showcasing unique Siamese architecture.

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Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, is a serene escape boasting unique Siamese architecture and housing thousands of Buddha images. Built in the early 19th century, it stands as a testament to Lao history and artistry.

A brief summary to Wat Sisaket

XJ76+7GG, Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, LA
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Dress respectfully when visiting; cover shoulders and knees.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Take your time to wander through the temple grounds and admire the intricate details of the Buddha statues.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but it's best to check for restrictions before taking photos inside the ordination hall.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Sisaket is located on Ave Lane Xang in Vientiane, easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Presidential Palace, walk east along Ave Lane Xang; the temple will be on your right. From the city center, head east towards Ave Lane Xang. The temple is located near Haw Phra Kaew.
Public Transport

Local buses are an affordable option for reaching Wat Sisaket. From the Central Bus Station (Talat Sao), several bus routes will take you close to the temple. Bus tickets cost around 5,000-8,000 LAK. Check with locals for the correct bus number and route.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Wat Sisaket typically costs between 15,000-45,000 LAK. Prices may be higher in the evening or during peak hours.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Vientiane, and ride-hailing apps like Loca and inDrive are also popular. A taxi ride from the city center to Wat Sisaket will cost approximately $9.5 USD (about 190,000 LAK) for a 5km trip. Be aware that some taxi drivers may not use meters, so it's best to agree on a fare beforehand.

Discover more about Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by King Anouvong, is Vientiane's oldest temple that remains largely in its original form, having been spared destruction during the Siamese-Laotian War in 1828. Its Siamese architectural style, featuring a five-tiered roof and surrounding terrace, distinguishes it from typical Lao temples. The temple's design may have contributed to its survival during the Siamese invasion.The temple is home to a vast collection of over 6,800 Buddha images made from wood, stone, and bronze, some dating back to the 15th century. These statues reside in small niches along the cloister walls, creating a breathtaking and spiritual ambiance. The damaged statues, some missing heads or limbs, leave a lasting impression, serving as a reminder of past conflicts.Inside the ordination hall (sim), visitors can admire murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, stories of the Buddha's past lives. The temple also houses a former library, which once held ancient Buddhist scriptures. Today, Wat Sisaket functions as both a museum and a working monastery, with monks and novices in residence. The temple grounds offer a tranquil retreat with gardens and frangipani trees.