Wat Sisaket: Vientiane's Oldest Temple

4.4 (2008)

Explore Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest temple, showcasing unique Siamese architecture and thousands of Buddha images, a serene cultural treasure.

Wat Sisaket, built in 1818, stands as Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, distinguished by its Siamese architectural style and housing thousands of Buddha images. It offers a serene glimpse into Lao Buddhist culture and history.

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, covering shoulders and knees, as Wat Sisaket is an active religious site.
Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and observe monks receiving alms.
Take your time to wander the cloisters and examine the thousands of Buddha images.
Look for the artist Bounseng in the gardens, who creates intricate images from the temple and Lao folklore.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Sisaket is located in the heart of Vientiane, near the Presidential Palace. From many central locations, such as Setthathirath Road or the Mekong Riverside Park, it's easily accessible on foot. Walking allows you to take in the sights of Vientiane's streets. No specific costs are involved.
Public Transport

Vientiane has a public bus system. Check local bus routes for the nearest stop to Wat Sisaket. Buses are an inexpensive way to travel. A single ride typically costs around 5,000-8,000 LAK.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Sisaket from a central location typically costs between 15,000 to 45,000 LAK.

Discover more about Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket, constructed between 1818 and 1824 under King Anouvong, is Vientiane's oldest temple that remains in its original form. Its Siamese architectural style, featuring a five-tiered roof and terrace, sets it apart from typical Lao temples and may have saved 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 small niches. These statues, made of various materials like wood, stone, and bronze, date back to the 16th-19th centuries. Inside the ordination hall (sim), you'll find murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, stories of the Buddha's past lives. One notable mural illustrates the tale of Prince Pookkharabat.West of the ordination hall is the former library, which once held Buddhist manuscripts. The temple grounds also contain stupas holding the ashes of cremated devotees. Wat Sisaket serves as both a museum and a working monastery, offering visitors a unique insight into Lao religious life. The temple provides a tranquil escape from the city, with gardens filled with frangipani trees.