Wat Sisaket

Any local and foreign tourists who visit Vientiane to see pagodas or old historical sites should also include a short visit to Wat Sisaket. Here you will see the big Buddha image, library and wall paintings.

Old Wat Sisaket:

This Wat was built in 1818 by King Anouvong, the last king of the Vientiane monarchy.

It first name was Satasahatsaram which means Wat Sene, but it is now known as Wat Sisaket. It is located in the former yard of the king's palace, inside the first Vientiane fence. Now it is at front of the Presidential Palace.

It was very important at the beginning of the 19th century when only one pagoda remained after Vientiane was burnt down in 1829. Some of the Buddha images and artifacts remain including a big Buddha image, two copper Buddha images and 120 lime Buddha images reflecting the designs of the 19th century to the present time.

Wat Sisaket was sponsored by a king. It houses artifacts made of gold, silver and many types of sapphire. It is a national heritage. Unfortunately, though a large number of things have gone and only a few of them remain.

Restoration of Wat Sisaket:

It was first restored in 1924. Then in 1930 large scale renovations were made including the library.

Important historical site:

Wat Sisaket has housed the cultural heritage since 1924. The arts and Buddha images were designed in the 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 centuries.

Old Hotai libray wall:

was covered with sapphires. The milestone placed at the wall of the right hand side in the west of the fence shows that this pagoda was built in 1818. This milestone is worthy of history because it shows the letters and literature at the beginning of the 19th century.

120 lime Buddha images: placed at the 4 corners are the finest styles of arts made in the 19th century.

The big Buddha image is a height of 1.02 meters and was made in the 15th century (in 1490).

If you have chance to visit Vientiane, please do not forget to pay a visit to Wat Sisaket. There are monks here who can speak English so that you can always ask them and they will be more than happy to have a chat with you.