VAT ONG TEU

This temple, considered to be one of the most important in Laos, was built in the 16th century by order of King Setthathirath, then destroyed, like most of the religious buildings in the capital, during the Lao-Siamese War in the 19th century. Vat Ong Teu means "Temple of the Heavy Buddha" and was named so because of the imposing statue displayed inside the sim. In the past, it was in this temple that the notables and important people of the country took an oath of allegiance to the king every year.

Entirely rebuilt - more than a century ago - it stands out from the other temples of the city by the "Luang Prabang" style of its roof, made of bricks in rectangular shapes. The Phra Ong Teu enthroned in the sim is the greatest Buddha of Vientiane. It was made of various metals, and is flanked by two Buddhas standing under parasols beside it. The three statues are now draped in saffron-coloured cloth, with coloured halos placed behind their heads, to give them more prestige. This religious complex has been home to the Lao Buddhist Institute since 1929, a teaching institute where most of the country's monks come to do their apprenticeship. The teaching of Theravada Buddhism and other subjects (arts, humanities, physical sciences and mathematics) is given for nine months each year by religious or lay teachers. The Buddhist Institute is attached to the Ministry of National Education.