Welcome to The Guide Hog’s new “Wat ‘o’ the Week” spotlight on Buddhist temples in Vientiane! I’ll try to visit a different temple each week with the goal of finding a unique angle or tidbit of information.
All wats comprise a “sim,” the actual temple building where people pray and make offerings, as well as a housing area for the monks, various sculptures, and ornate monuments with the cremated remains of temple-goers. Although visitors are free to walk around the temple grounds, the sim at most wats stays locked unless monks are using it for a ceremony.
Today Tony and I poked around Wat Hai Sok, a small easily overlooked wat that sits in the shadow of a bigger, more important temple. Here’s a view from the street.
The humble entrance was partially obscured by thick bundles of electrical wires that run the length of the road.
I couldn’t find any substantial information online about Wat Hai Sok. Every website lists the same paragraph:
Wat Hai Sok’s soaring five-tiered roof, topped with elegant golden spires, can be seen all the way from Thanon Setthathirat. It is worth stepping just off the main road to enjoy the atmosphere of this neighborhood temple. The windows and facade are beautifully carved in wood. Gilded multi-headed nagas (mythological snakes) flank the steps. There are usually children playing football in the shaded courtyard. Food sellers serve customers from the surrounding wooden houses, sitting at stalls beside the numerous funeral monuments.
There were, in fact, children playing in the sand next to a small bell tower. As we walked around the sim, we met two more youngsters tussling with a couple puppies. They eagerly showed us their dogs and happily posed for a couple pictures.
The sweet little boy was a tiny bit rough with his puppy.
The temple’s sim had ornate windows on all sides.
I always love the guardian nagas.
Another interesting attraction was a tree surrounded by golden Buddhas in various poses.
Other than the kids and the puppies, the wat was deserted and peaceful. No tourists. No monks. Pretty mellow.
Those photos are fantastic, especially the ones of the kids.
Hi Sharon,
Great pics. Remember our early Shanghai ams with the cameras??
I miss you, my friend.
Daily.
Please give Tony a great big hug for me! A thought….Does it work for me and Blake to come for your spring break.
Surely you can squeeze a sick day by April.
Cheers,
Amy