Overview
Wat Si Saket is a Buddhisttemple in Vientiane on Lan Xang Road northwest of Haw Phra Kaew the  former home of the Emerald Buddha and near to the Presidential Palace.This is fairly central in the city and it is an easy walk unless the days are hot and humid.

It was built on the instructions of King Anouvong. The name came from adding Si, to the name of the temple in Bangkok. The style is Siamese with an ornate tiered roof and terrace rather than following traditional Lao style. It is the city’s oldest temple though even it has needed restoration both in 1924 and 1930, work undertaken by the French colonialists.

How to get there
Vientiane has excellent connections with the immediate region as well as further afield with flights coming direct from many Asian countries and beyond. It is a city that is included in Indochina tour packages as well.

Best time to visit
While the monsoon season between May and October has fewer tourist visitors overall a holiday in Laos is an experience whatever the season. Within the country road travel can be difficult in particularly wet conditions but the problems do not extend to Vientiane.

The Temple
There is a relaxing environment helped by the vegetation surrounding the buildings and the result is an excellent photo opportunity.

One of the most impressive features is a wall with over 2,000 Buddha images made from ceramics or silver as well as seated Buddhas in rows which have been placed there between the 16th and 19th Century.
Today there is also an interesting museum.

Accommodation
Our Laos travel guide recommends some time in Vientiane and there is plenty of accommodation available. Laos tour packages offer alternatives to their clients and make the reservations before arrival.