Wat Sisaket, Vientiane Travel Guide

4.4 (1977)

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

Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, showcases unique Siamese architecture and houses thousands of Buddha images within its cloister walls. Built in the early 19th century, it stands as a serene reminder of Lao cultural heritage and Buddhist devotion.

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 the midday heat.
Take your time to observe the intricate details of the Buddha statues and the murals.
Be aware that the temple closes for a period in the middle of the day.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Sisaket is located on Ave Lane Xang, near the Presidential Palace, making it easily accessible on foot from many central Vientiane locations. From the city center, walk east towards the Presidential Palace; the temple is directly across the street. No costs are involved.
Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Wat Sisaket typically costs between 20,000 to 40,000 LAK (approximately $1 to $2 USD), depending on the distance and your bargaining skills. Agree on the price with the driver before starting your journey.
Taxi

Taxis can be found in Vientiane, especially in the city center. A taxi ride to Wat Sisaket from a central location will cost around $2 USD base fare, plus $1.5 USD per kilometer. Ensure the driver is using the meter or negotiate a fixed fare beforehand.
Public Transport

Local buses operate in Vientiane. Check local bus routes for services that stop near Wat Sisaket. Bus fares are around 5,000 LAK. The bus from Wat Ong Teu to AV Hotel, Vientiane, stops nearby and takes approximately 5 minutes.

Discover more about Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket, constructed between 1819 and 1824 by King Anouvong, distinguishes itself with its Siamese architectural style, setting it apart from traditional Lao temples. Its five-tiered roof and surrounding terrace offer a unique aesthetic. The temple remarkably survived the Siamese invasion in 1828, making it Vientiane's oldest temple that retains its original structure.The temple's cloister is a primary feature, enclosing the ordination hall (sim). The outer walls contain thousands of small niches, each sheltering a Buddha image; shelves in front display larger Buddha statues in various styles and materials. Inside the ordination hall, eye-level murals depict scenes from the jataka, stories of the Buddha's past lives.West of the cloister, the former library once held palm-leaf manuscripts documenting Buddhist philosophy. Though faded, the cabinet that housed these books was finished in black lacquer with golden designs. Today, Wat Sisaket is both a working monastery and a museum, housing a vast collection of Buddha images and artifacts reflecting designs from the 15th to 19th centuries. Visitors can witness damaged statues, a reminder of past conflicts, and appreciate the determination to preserve cultural and spiritual treasures.