Other sights in Vientiane
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Wat Sok Pa Luang
In a shaded, almost semi-rural setting that is entirely in keeping with its name ( wat paa means ‘forest temple’), Wat Sok Pa Luang is famous for its herbal saunas and expert massage. The masseurs are usually lay people who reside at the temple. After a relaxing sauna, you can take herbal tea on the veranda, then opt for a massage. You’re not supposed to wash away your accumulated perspiration for two or three hours afterward to allow the herbs to soak into your pores. A few women have commented that some masseurs may cover more territory than is comfortable. The sauna (US$1) and massage (US$2) operate from 1pm to 7pm daily.
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Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan
This temple is one of the most important in Laos. It was originally built in the mid-16th century by King Setthathirat and is believed to occupy a site first used for religious purposes as far back as the 3rd century. But like almost every other temple in Vientiane it was destroyed in later wars with the Siamese, then rebuilt in the early 20th century. The Hawng Sangkhalat (Deputy Patriarch) of the Lao monastic order has his official residence here and presides over the Buddhist Institute, a school for monks who come from all over the country to study dhamma (the Buddha’s teachings).
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