Vat Si Meuang (Wat Si Meung), Vientiane Temple

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Vat Si Meuang, also written Wat Si Meung, is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos. It is located beside Setthathilath Road, near the monument to King Sisavang Vong.

The temple site of Vat Si Meuang was chosen by the advisors of King Setthathilath in 1563, and here the lak muang, or city pillar, was planted. The lak muang contains the protective deity of the city, as according to the believe prevalent in Theravada Buddhism practised in Laos as well as in Thailand.

The sim (ordination hall for monks) of Vat Si Meuang was constructed around the lak muang, which is wrapped with a sacred cloth. The temple that we see today is a reconstruction from 1915. The original was destroyed during the Siamese invasion of 1828.

From Vat Si Meuang, you can go through a gate to reach King Sisavang Vong's monument.