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Wat Si Saket Temple in Vientiane

Buddhist monk praying, Wat Sisaket temple, Vientiane, Laos

Attraction Address： 2P92+VHV, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210 Thailand Wat Si Saket Temple in Vientiane

Open Time： 1 pm until 4 pm

Temperature： 84°F

Phone： +8618812220370

Wat Si Saket, nestled in the heart of Vientiane, Laos, is a beacon of history, spirituality, and cultural heritage. As the oldest temple in Vientiane to have survived in its original form, it offers a rare glimpse into the past and a serene retreat from the modern world. Built in 1818 by King Anouvong, its architecture reflects the unique Siamese influence distinct from the predominantly Laotian designs found throughout the city. This temple has withstood the test of time, including the devastation of the Siamese invasion in 1827, which left much of Vientiane in ruins.

The temple's courtyard is a tranquil haven, home to over 10,000 Buddha statues of varying sizes and materials, creating a profound atmosphere of spirituality and peace. These statues, ranging from tiny to life-sized, made from wood, stone, and bronze, date back from the 16th to the 19th centuries, offering a panoramic view of Buddhist artistry and devotion over time.

The architectural layout of Wat Si Saket is striking, featuring a five-tiered roof ordination hall, a terraced structure, and a surrounding veranda that invites contemplation and meditation. The interior walls are adorned with detailed murals and frescoes that narrate Buddhist Jataka tales and depict traditional Laotian life, providing insight into the cultural and religious ethos of the country.

Wat Si Saket serves not only as a place of worship but also as a repository of culture and history. It plays a pivotal role in the community, hosting religious festivals and ceremonies that are integral to Laotian spiritual life. For visitors, Wat Si Saket offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of Vientiane, a place where the spiritual and the historical merge, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of Laos. Its significance goes beyond its physical boundaries, making it a cherished landmark and a symbol of resilience, faith, and cultural continuity in Laos.

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Overview

Historical Significance

Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in Vientiane that remains in its original form, surviving the Siamese invasion of 1827 that devastated much of the city. This temple's endurance through such a tumultuous period has imbued it with a sense of divine protection and spiritual significance, serving as a symbol of resilience and continuity for the Laotian people.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The temple features a five-tiered roof, a surrounding veranda, and an ordination hall, housing thousands of Buddha statues ranging from miniature to life-size. These statues, made of wood, stone, and bronze, date from the 16th to the 19th centuries and are considered a significant collection of Buddhist art. The interior walls are adorned with detailed murals and frescoes that depict Buddhist Jataka tales and scenes from traditional Laotian life, offering insight into the cultural and religious ethos of the era.

Cultural and Religious Role

Wat Si Saket is not only a historical monument but also a living center of Buddhist worship and community life. It hosts religious festivals and ceremonies that are integral to Laotian spiritual practices, drawing visitors and pilgrims from across the nation and around the world. The temple serves as a key repository of Laotian Buddhist traditions and plays a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of the cultural heritage of the Laotian people.

Visiting Wat Si Saket

For visitors, Wat Si Saket offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of Vientiane. Its serene atmosphere, combined with the spiritual and historical depth, provides a profound experience for those looking to explore Laotian heritage. The temple's extensive collection of Buddha statues, the beauty of its murals, and the tranquility of its courtyards make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vientiane.

Description

Why isWat Si Saket Temple in Vientiane so special

Wat Si Saket is renowned for its distinct Siamese style of architecture, a rarity in Vientiane. Its design features a five-tiered roof, a terraced structure, and an ordination hall with a veranda that encircles it, allowing for a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The temple's layout is a fine example of traditional Buddhist architecture, incorporating elements designed to symbolize Buddhist cosmology and the path to enlightenment.

Introduction

Wat Si Saket stands out as a remarkable example of Buddhist architecture and art in Laos. Built in 1818 by King Anouvong, it is famed for its wall shelves housing thousands of tiny Buddha statues and its cloister walls that hold more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. The temple's serene and spiritual atmosphere, combined with its historical depth, offers a profound insight into Laotian culture and religious practices.

History of Wat Si Saket Temple in Vientiane:

Constructed under the reign of King Anouvong, Wat Si Saket's design follows the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, which was unique in Vientiane at the time. Its survival of the Siamese invasion of 1827, which left much of Vientiane in ruins, is considered miraculous by many, making it the oldest temple in Vientiane to have remained in its original form. The temple has undergone several restorations over the years to preserve its intricate artwork and structural integrity.

Main Attractions

Buddha Statues: The temple is renowned for its collection of over 10,000 Buddha statues made from wood, stone, and bronze, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Murals and Frescoes: The walls of Wat Si Saket are adorned with detailed murals and frescoes depicting Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives) and traditional Laotian life, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural ethos of Laos.
Sim (Ordination Hall): The ordination hall is an architectural masterpiece, with a five-tiered roof, beautifully carved wooden doors, and a stunning Naga staircase.

Legend & Minority Culture

Local legends suggest that Wat Si Saket's sacred grounds are protected by divine forces, which is why it survived the Siamese invasion. The temple serves as a key repository of Laotian Buddhist traditions and practices, playing a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of the cultural heritage of the Laotian people, including minority groups.

Recommended Wat Si Saket Temple in Vientiane Tours:

Visitors to Wat Si Saket often combine their visit with tours to other historic sites in Vientiane, such as That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. A guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these sites.

Useful Travel Tips:

Famous Festival: Boun That Luang, held in November, is a significant festival where people from all over Laos gather to celebrate at That Luang, with festivities often spilling over to nearby temples like Wat Si Saket.
Best Seasons: The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is cooler and dry.
Tickets: Entry to Wat Si Saket usually requires a small fee, contributing to the temple's maintenance.
Facility: Facilities like restrooms and small shops selling religious artifacts and souvenirs are available on-site.
Accommodation: Vientiane offers a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, many within walking distance of Wat Si Saket.

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Tours

Transportation

Air Travel: While there's no direct air travel to Wat Si Saket, visitors flying into Vientiane can easily access the temple from the city's international airport. From there, options like taxis, buses, or even a short walk can lead you to the temple.
Car or Taxi: For a quick and direct route, taxis are readily available throughout Vientiane. A taxi ride from central Vientiane to Wat Si Saket is both convenient and affordable, with an estimated price of $3 - $4 for a short trip. Apps like LOCA or GoGo Taxi Laos can also be used to book a ride.
Bus: The Vientiane Capital Bus Enterprise operates a bus route from Wat Ong Teu to AV Hotel, Vientiane, which is in proximity to Wat Si Saket. Buses run hourly, making it an easy and efficient way to reach the temple.
Hotel Shuttle: While specific hotel shuttle services to Wat Si Saket weren't mentioned, many hotels in Vientiane offer shuttle services to major attractions. It's advisable to check with your accommodation for any direct shuttle options.
By Foot: Given its central location at the intersection of Lane Xang road and Setthathirat road, near the Presidential Palace, Wat Si Saket is easily accessible on foot from many parts of downtown Vientiane. Walking to the temple allows visitors to explore the city's vibrant streets along the way.
Guided Tours: Opting for a guided tour can provide a hassle-free visit to Wat Si Saket, often including transportation from your hotel. Tours may cover multiple attractions, offering a comprehensive experience of Vientiane's cultural and historical sites.