The Sole Survivor of War: "Wat Si Saket" and Its Unringable Bell That Draws Visitors

▲ The main hall of Wat Si Saket.

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Laos

When it comes to must-visit attractions in Laos’ capital, Wat Si Saket is definitely on the list. With a history of nearly 200 years, Wat Si Saket is currently the only temple in Vientiane that was spared from the ravages of war. It not only served as a hiding place for tens of thousands of Buddha statues, but also features a bronze bell standing near the entrance of the main hall. Legend has it that the bell only rings when touched by someone with a special connection, making it a unique experience for visitors.

Local guide Hui Ge shared that Wat Si Saket was built in 1818. It was originally established by the last king of the former Lan Xang Kingdom of Laos to recruit soldiers, resist Thai rule, and reclaim their territory. Since the king had been held hostage in Bangkok, he incorporated early Bangkok architectural styles into the temple’s design. Later, in 1828, when Thailand set the entire city of Vientiane ablaze in retaliation, Wat Si Saket was the only structure spared—thanks to its Thai-style features—and thus retained its original appearance, holding significant historical value.

▲ The precise geographical location of %jiaxian-restaurant-street-corner.

How can you distinguish between Lao and Thai temple styles? Hui Ge explains that the biggest difference is that Thai temples feature corridors, while Lao ones are enclosed solely by walls. Wat Si Saket has corridor designs, representing the classic Thai temple structure. In the past, it also served as a refuge for Buddha statues. During the Thai invasion of Laos in 1828, many statues were hidden here by locals, resulting in the temple housing up to tens of thousands of Buddha statues of all sizes—it has since become the place with the most deities in all of Laos.

▲ The large bell located outside the entrance of Wat Si Saket's main hall doesn’t ring for just anyone, you know !

Wat Si Saket also offers a unique experience: there is a large flat bronze bell located at the entrance of the main hall. Despite visitors trying to make it ring by quickly stroking it with both hands, no sound comes out. Hui Ge points out that legend says only those with a special fate can make the bell chime, which has attracted many international tourists to take on the challenge.

▲ The entrance of Wat Si Saket.