Wat Si Muang: Vientiane's Spiritual Heart

4.5 (2498)

Discover Wat Si Muang, Vientiane's most sacred temple, where legend and faith intertwine in the heart of Laos. Experience blessings and ancient traditions.

Home
Laos
Southern Laos
Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang is Vientiane's most sacred temple, famed for its central pillar and the legend of Si Muang, a young woman who sacrificed herself to appease angry spirits during its construction in 1563. Locals seek blessings here, and the temple is a focal point for the That Luang Festival.

A brief summary to Wat Si Muang

15 Rue Bourichane, Vientiane, LA
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Dress modestly when visiting. Shoulders, chest, and thighs should be covered out of respect.
Participate in the Baci ceremony for good luck. A monk will tie a white thread around your wrist while offering blessings.
Note that if you pray for something and it is granted, you are expected to return to the temple to make offerings.
Visit the monument of King Sisavang Vong next door through a gate within the temple grounds.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

King Sisavangvong Statue

King Sisavangvong Statue: A Symbol of Lao Independence

Vientiane City Pillar (Hor Lak Muang)

Vientiane City Pillar (Hor Lak Muang): A Shrine of Foundation

ຫໍຫຼັກເມືອງ

Hor Lak Muang: The Heart of Vientiane

Getting There

Walking

Wat Si Muang is located on the eastern end of Thanon Setthathirath. From the city center, walk east along Thanon Setthathirath. The temple will be on the left side of the street, surrounded by parked bicycles and stalls selling offerings. No entrance fee, but parking for bicycles or motorcycles may incur a small fee.
Public Transport

The Central Bus Station is near Talat Sao Mall. From there, you can take a local bus towards the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Check with locals for the correct bus route. Get off near Wat Si Muang. Bus fare is approximately 5,000-8,000 LAK.
Taxi/Tuk-Tuk

Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center should cost around 20,000 LAK. A 5km taxi ride in Vientiane will cost around 9.5 USD.

Discover more about Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang, located in Vientiane, is more than just a temple; it's the spiritual heart of the city. Built in 1563 during the reign of King Setthathirath, it stands on the ruins of a Khmer Hindu shrine. The temple's construction is steeped in legend, telling the story of Si Muang, a pregnant woman who sacrificed herself to appease angry spirits. When workers hit an underground water source while digging the hole for the central pillar, Si Muang volunteered to jump into the hole. Miraculously, one hundred days later, the hole filled, and a sacred pillar emerged.In honor of her sacrifice, the temple was named Wat Si Muang, and she became revered as a guardian spirit. Today, the temple is also known as the 'mother temple' of Vientiane. The temple complex covers over 2 hectares and includes a main hall for Buddha worship and an area dedicated to Si Muang. Inside, the temple is divided into two rooms, an unusual feature. The front room is a quiet space where a monk often offers blessings. The rear room houses the main altar with statues and images of Buddha.Wat Si Muang attracts visitors seeking good luck and blessings. One of the most interesting experiences here is the Wrist Thread Tying Ceremony, also known as Baci. During this ceremony, a monk prays and ties a white thread around your wrist, symbolizing purity and peace. The temple is also known for the mystical pair of storks that reside on a rock behind the rear hall. Some believe the storks were sent by Buddha to guard the temple, while others believe the spirit of Si Muang resides in them.