Vientiane boasts of several beautiful temples or wats, but one of the most impressive and interesting of them is WatHoPhraKeo though it is more of a museum now. Even without the Emerald Buddha, it is well worth a visit. Wat Si Muang is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites. The temple is named after Si Muang, who sacrificed herself in the pit that holds the central pillar of the structure. Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in Vientiane. HoPraKeo -a small, quiet temple has scenic beauty with some good photo opportunities. LuangPrabang is home to many ancient Buddhist temples, WatXiengToung and WatWisunarat are the oldest and probably most atmospheric in LuangPrabang. Wat Mai is the largest and most richly decorated Buddhist temple in LuangPrabang. WatPhu is a Buddhist temple considered to be one of the oldest sites.