Fodor's Expert Review Wat Si Meuang

This wat that dates to 1563—its last major renovation was in 1956—guards the original city pillar, a revered foundation stone also from the 16th century. Throughout the day, this temple receives a steady stream of local visitors seeking blessings for themselves—and their new vehicles! In a small park in front of the monastery stands a rare memorial to Laos's royal past: a large bronze statue of King Sisavang Vong, which survived the revolution as it had been cast by a Soviet artist.