Presidential Palace
Presidential Palace, Vientiane
Wat Sisaket: A Timeless Sanctuary of Buddha Images
Discover Vientiane's oldest temple, Wat Sisaket, home to thousands of Buddha images and exquisite Siamese-Lao architecture.
Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, showcases Siamese architecture and houses thousands of Buddha images dating back centuries. Spared from destruction in 1828, it offers a serene glimpse into Lao Buddhist heritage.
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 on Ave Lane Xang, near the Presidential Palace in Vientiane. From most central locations, such as the city center or major hotels, it is easily accessible by foot. Simply head towards the Presidential Palace, and you'll find Wat Sisaket across the street. No costs are associated with this final approach.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Wat Sisaket typically costs between 15,000 to 45,000 LAK, but prices may be higher near tourist attractions. Agree on the price before boarding.
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. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate a fare beforehand. A short taxi ride to Wat Sisaket will likely cost around 43,655 LAK base fare, plus 33,315 LAK per km.
Local tips
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Visit in the morning to observe monks receiving alms and to avoid the midday heat.
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Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
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Take your time to explore the thousands of Buddha images in the cloisters.
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Note that photography inside the Sim (ordination hall) may be restricted to protect the murals.
Discover more about Wat Sisaket
Wat Sisaket, constructed between 1819 and 1824 by King Anouvong, stands as Vientiane's oldest intact monastery. Its Siamese architectural style, featuring a five-tiered roof and a colonnaded terrace, distinguishes it from traditional Lao temples and may have saved it from destruction during the Siamese invasion of 1828.The temple's defining feature is its cloister walls, which house thousands of Buddha images in small niches. These statues, crafted from wood, stone, and bronze, showcase various sizes and styles, with some dating back to the 16th century. The sim (ordination hall) contains murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.Wat Sisaket also includes a former library with a cabinet that once held Buddhist manuscripts. The grounds feature gardens, stupas, and a drum tower. Today, Wat Sisaket is both a museum and a working monastery, offering visitors a glimpse into Lao religious practices. The temple provides a serene escape and a chance to appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage.
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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More about Vientiane
Discover Vientiane, the peaceful capital of Laos, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and a vibrant culinary scene await amidst the tranquil flow of the Mekong River.
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