Wat Sisaket: Vientiane’s Oldest and Most Iconic Temple
Situated northwest of Haw Phra Kaew near the Presidential Palace, Wat Sisaket stands as the oldest surviving monastery in the capital. As one of Laos’ most important Buddhist temples, it’s particularly renowned for its cloister walls, which house more than 2,000 tiny ceramic and silver Buddha statues, alongside hundreds of seated Buddha figures dating from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Commissioned in 1818 by King Anouvong, the last monarch of the Lan Xang Kingdom, Wat Sisaket was built in a Siamese architectural style. This design choice likely spared it from destruction during the Siamese invasion of 1828. Later, it was carefully restored by the French in 1924 and again in 1930.
Beyond the revered cloister walls, Wat Sisaket captivates visitors with its elegant five-tiered roof, charming verandas, and a small library building topped with a Burmese-style roof. The ordination hall, located at the center of the cloister, features beautifully painted scenes from the Jataka tales – stories recounting the previous lives of the Buddha.
Toward the west lies the old library, and behind it, a path lined with small stupas containing the ashes of former temple devotees. Shaded by lush gardens and flowering trees, the temple grounds offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, blending history, spirituality, and serene natural beauty.
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