Wat Sok Pa Luang, Vientiane (2024) - Images, Timings

Wat Sok Pa Luang, Vientiane Overview

Wat So Pak Luang is a small Buddhist temple located in the capital city of Vientiane in Laos. It is a retreat centre and houses monks in the living quarters who learn Buddhism here. Wat So Pak Luang is a popular attraction among the tourists visiting Vientiane for the traditional Laos massage, sauna and meditation classes. It is worth checking out the temple to experience the unique massage and sauna that can be booked by directly walking in.

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Best time to visit

The best time to visit Wat Sok Pa Luang is late afternoon when the weather is pleasant. The massages and sauna happen between 1 PM to 7 PM everyday, so plan to visit around this time.

What to wear

It is expected that tourists dress appropriately while visiting a Buddhist temple. Women need to cover their shoulder at all times and wear knee-length attire. Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not also allowed for both men and women. The rules are strictly followed, and you might be denied entry by the guards if you fail to obey them. You also need to take off your shoes, hat and sunglasses before entering the temple premises.

Laos Massage & Sauna in Wat Sok Pa Luang

The massage and sauna, along with meditation sessions, have been in practice for at least 20 years in Wat Sok Pa Luang. Usually, the novice young monks conduct these to the visitors. The traditional Laos massage is similar to Thai style. But unlike the other massage centres done interiors, the massage in Wat Sok Pa Luang happens outdoors in a simple setting. There are many bamboo beds in an open wooden hut. The therapists rub an oil obtained from herbal mixture over your body that relaxes the muscles and eases the stress from traveling and exhaustion.

The methods of the sauna are a traditional Laos style. You would be given a Sarong to change and are offered herbal tea, which is to be consumed before the Sauna. The water in the Sauna contains extracts of herbs and plants like lemon, cinnamon, mint, lemongrass and other medicinal plants. They ease the pain and rejuvenate the muscle tissues.

The cost is about 1 USD to use the Sauna, and the massage costs about 2 USD for one hour.

Tips

No need to book either the Sauna or the massage in advance, but it is better to go there around 1 or 2 PM if you plan to get both.
Don't plan to have a heavy lunch or drinks before attending either of these sessions. Have an early lunch as they are done about 1 to 2 hours after consuming food. Avoid alcohol if you plan to take up these sessions.
Also, it is recommended first to get a sauna and then the massage if you are planning to do both. Because as suggested by the monks, this order is more beneficial to your body and mind.

How To Reach Wat Sok Pa Luang

Wat Sok Pa Luang is located in Muang Sisattanak in the city of Vientiane. The best way to reach is by hiring a Tuk-Tuk. It costs about 4 USD for a round trip. You can also rent a motorbike for about 12 to 14 USD per day, or you can get there by bike(bicycle) which cost about 3 to 4 USD for rent per day.