Temples of Vientiane
Buddhist monasteries of the Laotian capital
Vientiane, the capital of Laos houses a great number of temples. Many were built in the 16th century when King Setthathirath had made the town the new capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom. Unfortunately, most were destroyed by invaders of Siam (present day Thailand) when their armies looted and burned the city in 1827.
The best known temples
The Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in Vientiane that is still in its original form; it is one of the few temples that escaped the destruction of 1827. The sim and surrounding galleries have been turned into a museum that house over 10,000 Buddha images.
The Pha That Luang, the most important Buddhist monument in Laos is believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. The stupa was destroyed in 1827; the current version dates from the 1930’s when it was rebuilt by the French. Around the golden stupa are a few temples and a large Buddhist convention hall.
The Haw Phra Kaew temple got its name from the Emerald Buddha that was enshrined here until 1779. It has been turned into a museum that displays 18th century bronze Buddha images, ancient inscribed steles and other artifacts.
Near the city center is a weathered old stupa named That Dam. Legend tells the stupa was once covered in pure gold and inhabited by a seven headed Naga snake protecting the town’s inhabitants.
Little visited temples near the Mekong river
A number of less known temples like the Wat Inpeng and the Wat Chan can be found near the banks of the Mekong river, along Quai Fa Ngum and Setthathirath road. These are active temples that are open to visitors; dress respectful and remove your shoes before entering a temple building.
Vientiane temples
Vientiane Temples
Other attractions Vientiane