Presidential Palace
Presidential Palace, Vientiane
Wat Sisaket: A Sanctuary of Buddha Images
Explore Vientiane's oldest temple, a Siamese-style sanctuary housing thousands of Buddha images and offering a glimpse into Lao history.
Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 in Vientiane, Laos, stands as a testament to Siamese architectural influence and is renowned for housing thousands of Buddha images. This temple and museum offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Lao Buddhist art and history.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Wat Sisaket
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Walking
Wat Sisaket is located in the heart of Vientiane, near the Presidential Palace. From most central locations, it is easily accessible on foot. ориентируйтесь на проспект Лансанг (Lane Xang Ave). The temple is located on the corner of Lane Xang Avenue and Setthathirath Road.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip. A short tuk-tuk ride within the city center typically costs between 15,000 to 45,000 LAK ($1.50 to $4.50 USD). From the Patuxai monument, a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Sisaket would be approximately within this price range.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Vientiane, though less common than tuk-tuks. You can hail a taxi from the street or use a ride-hailing app like Loca. A 5km taxi ride in Vientiane costs around $9.5 USD. Fares are calculated with a base fare of $2 USD and $1.5 USD per kilometer. A taxi ride from the Morning Market (Talat Sao) to Wat Sisaket, approximately 2km, would cost around $5 USD.
Local tips
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Dress respectfully when visiting; cover shoulders and knees.
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
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Photography is not allowed inside the Sim (ordination hall) to protect the ancient murals.
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Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple and museum.
Discover more about Wat Sisaket
Wat Sisaket, constructed between 1819 and 1824 by King Anouvong, is Vientiane's oldest surviving temple. Its Siamese architectural style, featuring a five-tiered roof and a surrounding terrace, distinguishes it from traditional Lao temples and may have spared it from destruction during the Siamese invasion in 1828.The temple's defining feature is its cloister walls, which house thousands of Buddha images in various sizes and materials like wood, stone, and bronze. The sim (ordination hall) showcases murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life. The temple also has a library with ancient Buddhist manuscripts.Wat Sisaket provides a serene atmosphere for reflection and offers insights into Lao culture and history. It serves as a reminder of Vientiane's past and the enduring importance of Buddhism in Laos.
A brief summary to Wat Sisaket
Use Wat Sisaket as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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