Wat Sisaket, Northern Laos Travel Guide

4.4 (2042)

Explore Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest temple, home to thousands of Buddha images and unique Siamese architecture. A serene escape into Lao history.

Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, showcases unique Siamese architecture and houses thousands of Buddha images. Built in the early 19th century, 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 when visiting; cover shoulders and knees.
Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
Take your time to observe the intricate details of the Buddha statues and the temple's architecture.
Photography is allowed, but be respectful and avoid using flash inside the main hall.

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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

From the Presidential Palace, Wat Sisaket is just across the street. From the central area of Vientiane, such as Nam Phu Fountain, the temple is easily accessible by foot. Walking allows you to take in the sights of Vientiane.
Public Transport

Local buses are available in Vientiane. You can take a bus from Wat Ong Teu to AV Hotel, Vientiane, which is near Wat Sisaket. Bus fare will range from 2,000 to 6,000 LAK.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. A short tuk-tuk ride within the city to Wat Sisaket typically costs between 15,000 to 45,000 LAK, but negotiate the fare before starting your journey. From Wattay International Airport, a tuk-tuk ride will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

Discover more about Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket, constructed between 1819 and 1824 by King Anouvong, distinguishes itself with its Siamese architectural style, a departure from traditional Lao designs. Its five-tiered roof and terrace provided safety during the Siamese army's expulsion of Vientiane's people after Anouvong's rebellion.Inside, the temple's cloister walls are adorned with niches housing thousands of Buddha statues made of various materials like tin, stone, and wood. The main hall displays around 2,000 Buddha statues dating back from the 16th to 19th centuries. Many statues bear the marks of past wars, serving as a reminder of the nation's history. The temple also houses a museum with around 8,000 valuable books and a 400-year-old library containing hand-written palm-leaf manuscripts about Buddhist teachings.Wat Sisaket is not only a historical site but also a living monastery where monks reside. Visitors can witness the monks receiving alms and paying respects, and each year in mid-April, the Buddha statues are cleansed as part of the New Year ceremony.