Description of the attraction
Wat Sisaket is a Buddhist sanctuary in Vientiane located at the intersection of Lan Hang and Setthilat Streets. It was built in 1818-1824 by order of King Chao Anu, who was an adherent of the Siamese style in architecture. This is probably what helped the temple survive during the attack on Laos by the Siamese in 1827, who ruthlessly suppressed the Chao Anu uprising and destroyed many temples and monasteries. Astonished to find a sanctuary in a foreign land that reminded them of their homeland, the Siamese used this complex as their headquarters and place of residence.
Possibly the oldest temple in Vientiane. The French colonial government allocated funds for the reconstruction of this temple in 1924 and 1930.
The temple of Wat Sisaket is surrounded by a wall, which is not typical for Thai sacred buildings. Niches were made in it, in which more than 2 thousand images of Buddhas made of ceramics and silver are installed. Below you can see the shelves on which there are also various small figures of Buddhas.
The temple complex of Wat Sisaket consists of several well-preserved buildings. On its territory there is a library, built in the Burmese style, where many valuable manuscripts are kept, brought there during the destruction of the city by the Siamese. The main pagoda is richly decorated with frescoes considered to be the oldest in Vientiane. In its center stands a sculpture depicting a Buddha with a snake, which covers him with her hood. The temple is surrounded by kutis - cells for monks and novices, small stupas built by the rich in honor of their deceased relatives. There is also a monastery with a large collection of Buddha statues.
