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Wat Si Saket
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historical-site
Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in Vientiane still standing in its original form, making it a vital landmark of Lao history. It was built in 1818 by King Anouvong in the Siamese architectural style, which likely saved it from destruction during the Siamese invasion of 1828. While nearly every other structure in the city was leveled, Wat Si Saket was spared and used as a headquarters by the invaders. The temple is famous for its cloister walls, which contain over 6,800 Buddha images of various sizes made from bronze, stone, and ceramics. The main sanctuary (Sim) features a magnificent tiered roof and ornate murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The grounds also house a traditional library building with a Burmese-style roof. Today, the temple remains an active place of worship and a popular museum for tourists. Its design reflects the deep cultural and artistic ties between Laos and Thailand during the early 19th century.
- Location: Laos
- Nearby: Nam Ngum Reservoir (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 13 | 35 | 62 | 168 | 170 | 203 | 246 | 204 | 85 | 16 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Facts
- Built in 1818 by King Anouvong, the last king of Vientiane.
- The only temple in Vientiane to survive the Siamese destruction of 1828.
- Contains exactly 6,840 Buddha images in its galleries.
- Features a distinctive Siamese-style five-tiered roof.
- The murals inside the Sim date back to the temple's foundation.
- Includes a historical library that once held sacred palm-leaf manuscripts.
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Sights in the town Wat Si Saket (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes Wat Sisaket special?
It is the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane with thousands of Buddha figures.
How many Buddha statues are there?
There are over 6,800 statues in various sizes and materials.
How much is the entrance fee?
Tourists pay about 30,000 Kip for entry.
When can you visit the temple?
Daily from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00.
Is photography allowed in the temple?
In the courtyard yes, but it is forbidden inside the main building.
Wat Si Saket: where is it located?
Wat Si Saket is located in Laos.
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 is the oldest temple in Vientiane still standing in its original form, making it a vital landmark of Lao history.
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History & landmarks
Haw Phra Kaew
A former temple in Vientiane that today serves as a museum for religious art and ancient Laotian artifacts.
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of small Buddha statues in the walls.
Lao National Museum
A museum in Vientiane showcasing the history, culture, and revolutionary struggle of the Laotian people.
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
An informative museum in Vientiane documenting the impact of secret bombings on Laos and prosthetic efforts.
Pha That Luang
The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.
Buddha Park
An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
More places
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
A former royal temple in Vientiane that now functions as a museum of religious art and once housed the Emerald Buddha.
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
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A specialized nursery in the capital dedicated to breeding and preserving hundreds of Laotian orchid species.