Vat Sisaket, Vientiane

Vat Sisaket is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Built in 1818 during the reign of King Anouvong, it is particularly noteworthy for its traditional Siamese architecture, which contrasts with the classical Lao style.

Main features:

1. The Buddhas :

Wat Sisaket is home to thousands of Buddha statues, of various sizes and materials (wood, stone, silver, etc.), arranged in small niches along the walls of the cloister.

2. The Sim (main building):

3. The cloister :

4. Its history:

Unlike other temples in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket survived the Siamese invasion in 1828, making it one of the few buildings from that era still standing.

Today, Vat Sisaket is not only an active religious site but also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in the history, culture and spirituality of Laos. It is a place of serenity and inspiration not to be missed if you visit Vientiane.

On the left, before the entrance to the cloister and directly onto Lane Xang Avenue, is the old temple library. The large cupboard previously contained many manuscripts on latana leaves. In passing, you will notice that the roof of the building (four-storey roof) is of Burmese inspiration.

Originally, the sim (or central sanctuary) and the cloister contained more than nine thousand images or statues of the Buddha evoking the miracle of Sravasti, where the Buddha multiplied his image to infinity. During the Siamese invasion, most of this wealth was looted and dispersed and, if the soldiers did not burn the monastery, it is, it seems, because it resembled the buildings of the new Siamese capital.

Today, more than 2,000 small Buddha statues are housed in small niches, dug in the inner enclosure wall of the vat.
Originally, the frescoes on the walls represented the epic story of Kalaket and his magic horse. As you walk through the courtyard, you will notice a shelter enclosed by metal bars, where very damaged and often decapitated Buddha statues are piled up: these are pieces that had to be cast to make weapons during the Lao-Siamese conflict of 1828.

Inside the sim, we find the tiny Buddha crypts. The sim is beautifully decorated with wall paintings that represent the history of Pookkharabat with its magic fan (the story begins behind the altar). Its wooden coffered ceiling is very strange and if it reminds you of your last visit to Versailles, it is not by chance.

Indeed, at the time of Louis XIV, Siam had an important delegation in France which, without a doubt, was influenced by the architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries in France. The pendants represent lotus flowers. The stone statue of the Buddha on the altar dates from the 13th century. Behind the sim, a long wooden naga is stored which is only used to pour lustral water (water the Buddhas) on the Buddha statues during the Pi May Lao (Lao New Year) festival. Vat Sisaket is certainly worth a visit.

Wat Sisaket in Vientiane, Laos, is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and spirituality. As the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, it's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Laos.

Inside the pagoda, the walls are decorated with superb polychrome frescoes depicting scenes from the Master's life.

A few monks had just entered the temple to say their prayers. I couldn't resist taking a photo even though it had become forbidden... I understand this prohibition because many ignorant tourists make their cameras crackle with their flash lights, which makes noise and can be disturbing and even be considered disrespectful... 

This temple is one of my favourite temples in Thailand and Laos. This was my third visit and the first time I'd seen monks crouching there praying. So it was really hard for me to pass up this photo, which I love... and which I took in the silence of... cathedral.