Wat Sisaket, Mekong River Valley Travel Guide

4.4 (2042)

Explore Vientiane's oldest temple, Wat Sisaket, a Siamese-style architectural marvel housing thousands of Buddha images and offering a glimpse into Lao history.

Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, showcases unique Siamese architecture and houses thousands of Buddha images dating back centuries. Spared from destruction in 1828, it stands as a testament to Lao history and Buddhist devotion, offering a serene escape in the heart of the capital.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wat Sisaket.

Dress respectfully by wearing long clothes and avoiding tank tops or shorts when visiting the temple.
Remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.
Visit during the cool and dry season (November to February) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple grounds, museum, and admire the Buddha statues.
Be mindful and respectful of the monks and locals who come to pray and offer alms.

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Explore Wat Sisaket on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Wat Sisaket, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Wat Sisaket is located on Ave Lane Xang, near the Presidential Palace in Vientiane. From the city center, such as the Talat Sao Morning Market, walk east along Lan Xang Avenue. The temple will be on your right, a short walk from the Presidential Palace.
Public Transport

From the Central Bus Station near Talat Sao Mall, take a local bus heading east. Look for buses with routes along Lan Xang Avenue. The fare is approximately 5,000 LAK. Get off near the Presidential Palace and walk a short distance to Wat Sisaket.
Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Negotiate a fare before starting your journey. A short trip from the city center should cost between 15,000 to 45,000 LAK. Ask the driver to take you to Wat Sisaket near the Presidential Palace.

Discover more about Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket, built between 1819 and 1824 by King Anouvong, distinguishes itself with Siamese-style architecture, setting it apart from traditional Lao temples. Its five-tiered roof and surrounding terrace, designed for safety during the Siamese army's expulsion of Vientiane's people, reflect a unique blend of styles.The temple's cloister walls feature thousands of small niches, each containing Buddha images crafted from various materials like wood, stone, and silver. Inside the main hall, visitors can admire around 2,000 Buddha statues of different sizes and shapes, dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. To the west of the temple, many statues bear the marks of past wars, serving as a reminder of the nation's history. The temple also houses a museum with approximately 8,000 valuable books and a 400-year-old library containing palm-leaf manuscripts about Buddhist teachings.Wat Sisaket remains an active monastery, where monks and novices reside. Visitors should dress respectfully, with long clothes, and remove their shoes before entering the temple. The best time to visit is during the cool, dry season from November to February to avoid midday heat and crowds.