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Located in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, Wat Si Saket is the temple with the most Buddha statues in this country. As one of the most important temples in Vientiane, this temple is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Laos.
Wat Si Saket (Cre: Best Price Travel)
Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 under the orders of King Sethathirath V. The temple was built in the style of Siamese Buddhist architecture, with a 5-storey roof and terrace above, not in the traditional Lao style.
It has a five-tiered roof and a terrace, which was designed to provide safety when the Siamese army expelled the people of Vientiane after the rebellion of Anouvong.
Wat Si Saket is one of Vientiane’s most sacred temples and is highly revered by the Lao people. In Lao tradition, every man who reaches adulthood is required to participate in a training course at the temple. This practice is a means of showing respect and gratitude to their parents and ancestors. During their time at the temple, they study Buddhism and learn about the teachings of the Buddha.
Wat Si Saket’s Spiritual Significance (Cre: Best Price Travel)
To this day, monks in the temple still receive alms during the day and pay their respects to the souls sent to the temple. Local people offer food to temple monks, which is also a way for them to pay their respects to Buddha, praying for peace and health.
The temple possesses extremely sophisticated architectural lines, especially the 5-layer stacked roof being the most outstanding highlight. Long corridors extend around the temple. Inside the main hall, approximately 2,000 Buddha statues of various sizes and shapes are displayed, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
The unique architecture of Wat Si Saket (Cre: Viet-Laos)
In the hallway, there are about 300 statues made from tin, stone, and wood. To the west of the temple lie many broken statues, remnants of past wars. Notably, in the central main hall, there are rare and valuable statues cast in bronze and plated with pure gold.
Visitors to Wat Si Saket will be captivated by the multitude of statues spread throughout the temple. Upon entering, you will be astonished by the entrance, composed of simple wooden panels, which contrasts with the interior, where layers upon layers of statues of varying sizes.
However, what leaves the most lasting impression on visitors are the damaged statues, with some missing heads, arms, or legs. In Buddhist sculpture, the head of the Buddha statue is regarded as the most crucial and precise measure of a sculptor's craftsmanship, and the most sacred and significant part of the statue. So during the invasions of Laos, the enemy sought to undermine the spirituality of the Lao people and in turn decapitated the statues, melted them down, and took the pieces away.
The damaged statues in Wat Si Saket (Cre: Best Price Travel)
However, to remind future generations of the troublesome past, as well as the painful memories of the nation's history, the Lao people chose to preserve all the damaged statues and put them on display. This decision has made Wat Si Saket, with its exhibition of headless and sacred statues, one of the most renowned spiritual tourist destinations in Vientiane.
By maintaining and showcasing these damaged statues, the Lao people also demonstrate their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage and promoting peace. Despite being repeatedly damaged over the years, Wat Si Saket continues to be a treasure trove with immense material and spiritual value.
The temple also includes a large museum called Old Ho Tai with around 8,000 valuable books, and the inner walls of the main hall feature thousands of small niches, each housing a Buddha statue, offering a sense of protection to those who come to pray. Additionally, there is a 400-year-old library that contains numerous palm-leaf manuscripts, hand-written about Buddhist teachings.
Old Ho Tai, the library museum inside Wat Si Saket’s grounds (Cre: Pinterest)
The best time to visit Wat Si Saket in Vientiane, Laos, is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it ideal for sightseeing. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can also help you avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.
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Wat Si Saket is situated on Lane Xang Avenue, close to the Mekong River and within walking distance from the Patuxai Monument. Reaching Wat Si Saket is very straightforward, with several transportation options available depending on your location and preferences.
If you are in Vientiane's central area, such as near Nam Phu Fountain or along the Mekong River, you can easily walk to Wat Si Saket.
Tuk-tuks are a common and convenient mode of transport in Vientiane. They are readily available throughout the city. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your trip. Typically, a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Si Saket costs around 20,000 Kip per person, depending on the distance.
Renting a bicycle is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. This allows you to explore the city at your own pace, with the convenience of parking your bike near Wat Si Saket. Bicycle rentals are generally priced at around 10,000 Kip per day.
Visitors at Wat Si Saket (Cre: Luhanhvietnam)
In conclusion, Wat Si Saket is a must-visit destination on any trip to Vientiane, Laos. If you're planning a visit to Laos, reach out to Asia King Travel for more tips and travel guides. Our team of experts can help you create the perfect itinerary and ensure you have an exceptional journey through this beautiful country.
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