Wat Si Saket
ວັດສີສະເກດ
The oldest temple still standing in Vientiane, built in 1818. Its Siamese-style architecture helped it survive the 1827 war, and its cloister niches hold thousands of small Buddha images.
Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 by King Chao Anouvong, the last ruler of the Vientiane Kingdom. Because of its Siamese-style architecture, it escaped destruction when Siamese troops sacked Vientiane in 1827, making it the city’s oldest temple in its original form. The highlight is the square cloister surrounding the main hall. Its walls contain thousands of small niches, each holding two small clay or silver Buddha images. Along the cloister are hundreds of seated Buddhas of various sizes, many damaged in wars, which adds to their weathered character. The main hall (sim) has a five-tiered roof. Its inner walls retain 19th-century murals, and its wooden ceiling is decorated with lotus motifs. Admission is about 30,000 kip (confirm on site). Location: at the junction of Setthathirath Road and Lane Xang Avenue, east of the Presidential Palace and directly across from Wat Ho Phra Keo. Notes: photography is prohibited inside the main hall, and visitors should cover their shoulders and wear knee-length clothing.
Opening hours
08:00-16:00 (may close at midday)
Nearby sights
- Presidential Palace (Haw Kham)
- Haw Phra Kaew
- That Dam
- Talat Sao (Morning Market)
- Nam Phou Fountain
- Mekong Riverside Night Market & Chao Anouvong Park
- Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan
- Wat Si Muang