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Wat Si Saket

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Wat Si Saket (Laos)

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Wat Si Saket stands as the oldest temple in Vientiane to have survived in its original 19th-century form, holding immense historical significance. Constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong, its architecture prominently features Siamese-influenced design, which likely spared it from destruction during the Siamese invasion of 1828. The most iconic element of the temple is the surrounding cloister, whose interior walls contain thousands of small niches housing tiny Buddha figurines made from silver and ceramics. In total, the complex is home to more than 6,800 Buddha statues of varying sizes, ages, and materials. The interior of the Sim (ordination hall) is adorned with intricate murals depicting the Jataka tales and scenes of early Lao life. The building's magnificent five-tiered roof is richly decorated, contributing to its majestic silhouette. Today, the temple serves both as a national museum and an active site for worship, showcasing the peak of early 19th-century Lao craftsmanship and religious art.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212528312928272727252321
Rain mm813356216817020324620485166

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Wat Si Saket is open daily, the inner courtyard and galleries with thousands of Buddha statues are accessible. Modest clothing is required, shoes must be removed before entering the main temple.
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Typical hours
The temple typically opens at 8:00 and closes at 16:30. Entry costs a small fee used for maintenance. Check current prices on site.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the temple grounds, especially impressive are the thousands of Buddha statues in the galleries. Avoid flash to protect the ancient statues.
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Time needed
A visit to Wat Si Saket takes about 30 minutes to an hour. For a thorough look at the statues and architecture, allow more time.
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Combine with
Wat Si Saket is in central Vientiane, near Patuxai Arch and That Dam Stupa. Combine with the National Museum or a walk along the Mekong.
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Getting there
The temple is walkable from Vientiane city center. Tuk-tuks and taxis stop on the adjacent street, which also has good connections to the rest of the city.
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Insider tip
Visit the temple in the morning when light enhances the statues. Take time to discover the diversity of small Buddha figures in the wall niches.

Geography

Coordinates
17.96220, 102.61050

Facts

  • Wat Si Saket houses a staggering total of 6,840 Buddha images within its niches.
  • The temple underwent comprehensive restoration by the French between 1924 and 1930.
  • The ceiling beams of the ordination hall are crafted from intricately carved teakwood.
  • The temple is situated on Lane Xang Avenue, near the current Presidential Palace.
  • The interior murals are original works dating back to the temple's founding in 1818.
  • The complex includes a traditional Ho Tai (library) building for storing sacred scriptures.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Wat Si SaketWat Si Saket<1 km · NExplore →
Vientiane Orchid FarmVientiane Orchid Farm1 km · SWExplore →
Pha That LuangPha That Luang3 km · NExplore →
Vientiane Logistics ParkVientiane Logistics Park7 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum RiverNam Ngum River7 km · SWExplore →
Vientiane Industrial and Trade AreaVientiane Industrial and Trade Area12 km · NExplore →
Nong KhaiNong Khai15 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum ReservoirNam Ngum Reservoir15 km · SWExplore →

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Sights in the town Wat Si Saket (8)

Ho Phra Keo

Temple building in Vientiane, once housed the Emerald Buddha, now a museum.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-17:00

Vat Sisaket

Wat in Vientiane, Laos, known for its thousands of Buddha statues and surrounding terrace.

Jamia Masjid

Mosque in Vientiane, Laos, central place of prayer for the Muslim community.

Black Stūpa

Buddhist place of worship in Laos, a black stupa with an unknown history.

Wat Xieng Ngeun

Buddhist temple in Vientiane, a quiet site with typical temple buildings.

Church of Sacred Heart

Church in Vientiane, Laos, a Catholic place of worship with neo-Gothic elements.

Lao National Theatre

Theatre in Vientiane, venue for traditional Lao arts and modern performances.

Ho Kang Temple

Chinese folk temple in Vientiane, a site for venerating Chinese deities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why was Wat Si Saket the only temple spared in 1828?
Its architectural style resembled the Thai style, which is why the Siamese army did not destroy it during the invasion.
How many Buddha figures are in the temple?
There are over 6,800 statues in total, many of them in small niches in the walls of the cloister.
What is the 'Ho Tai' on the grounds?
It is a former library for sacred Buddhist scriptures, recognizable by its Burmese-style roof.
Are there specific visiting hours for tourists?
Yes, the temple is typically open from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00.
Is prayer allowed inside the Sim?
Yes, it is an active temple; however, visitors should be respectful and not disturb those praying.
Wat Si Saket: where is it located?
Wat Si Saket is located in Laos.
Wat Si Saket: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ho Phra Keo, Vat Sisaket, Jamia Masjid.
Wat Si Saket: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Wat Si Saket: why is it worth visiting?
Wat Si Saket stands as the oldest temple in Vientiane to have survived in its original 19th-century form, holding immense historical significance.
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Nearby cities

Vientiane — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos, located on the Mekong River.

History & landmarks

Haw Phra Kaew — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Haw Phra Kaew
A former temple in Vientiane that today serves as a museum for religious art and ancient Laotian artifacts.
Lao National Museum — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Lao National Museum
A museum in Vientiane showcasing the history, culture, and revolutionary struggle of the Laotian people.
Chao Anouvong Statue — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Chao Anouvong Statue
A prominent bronze monument along the Mekong in Vientiane, dedicated to the last king of the Kingdom of Vientiane.
COPE Visitor Centre — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
COPE Visitor Centre
An informative museum in Vientiane documenting the impact of secret bombings on Laos and prosthetic efforts.
Pha That Luang — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Pha That Luang
The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.
Buddha Park — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Buddha Park
An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

More places

Wat Si Saket — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the gallery walls.
That Dam — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
That Dam
A massive weathered stupa in the center of Vientiane, believed by many Laotians to be inhabited by a seven-headed Naga.
Haw Phra Kaew — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Haw Phra Kaew
A former royal temple in Vientiane that now functions as a museum of religious art and once housed the Emerald Buddha.
Mekong Riverside Park — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
Patuxai — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
🗺️
Suan Mon Organic Farm
An interactive organic farm that introduces families and children to traditional Laotian agriculture and sustainable practices.
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane
The wide alluvial plain surrounding the capital city, Vientiane, formed by the Mekong River.
Vientiane Port (KM4) — Wat Si Saket (Laos)
Vientiane Port (KM4)
The central freight port of the Laotian capital on the banks of the Mekong River, essential for the import and export of heavy building m…