Wat Si Saket, Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos
Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane with over 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images arranged in niches along the cloister walls. The interior includes a main sanctuary, library, and several areas where these collections are carefully displayed throughout the compound.
Founded in 1818 under King Anouvong's direction, this temple represents an important moment in regional Buddhist architecture. Its Thai-influenced design helped it survive the upheaval and conflicts that followed in the decades to come.
The temple serves as a gathering place for annual ceremonies where local officials participate in traditional Buddhist rituals that connect them to the kingdom's spiritual life. Visitors can witness how these celebrations bring the community together and reflect the region's deep religious roots.
The temple is open daily and allows visitors to explore the grounds at their own pace, including the various sanctuaries and interior spaces. Sturdy shoes are recommended since the pathways can be uneven and the grounds are quite expansive.
The interior features a striking wooden coffered ceiling decorated with lotus flower pendants, an unexpected blend of local and distant design traditions. This architectural detail reveals how long-distance trade connections have subtly shaped the building's appearance.
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