12 FAMOUS TEMPLES IN LUANG PRABANG

As you walk through the streets of Luang Prabang, you are surrounded by beautiful temples with curved roofs called wat or vat. These Luang Prabang temples are not only a sight to behold, but they are also a source of great pride for the people here. They are reminders of the rich history and culture of this city, and testimonies to the strongly-held beliefs of the people who live here.

Wat Xieng Thong (also known as the Golden City Monastery)

It is one of the oldest, most beautiful, and most important temples in the city and a popular tourist destination. Between 1559 and 1560, King Setthathirath had this temple built, in an area that was called Lan Xang (the Land of a Million Elephants), which gave modern-day Laos one of its epithets. The temple is home to a rare reclining Buddha statue. 

Major celebrations for Pi Mai (Lao New Year) are held here. When Luang Prabang was still the capital of Laos, kings were crowned in this temple. Today it still stands as an excellent example of traditional Lao Buddhist architecture, an archive of historical documents, and a crucial place of worship.

Vat Haw Pha Bang

Every new year, a standing statue of the Buddha is brought in procession from Haw Pha Bang to Wat Mai (the largest temple in the city). This statue, called Pha Bang, is cast in an alloy of gold, silver, and bronze, and is said to represent the right of kings to rule. As such, it is the most revered Buddha image in the country. The temple built to house it is on the grounds of the Royal Palace, and no expenses were spared in making the temple golden and gorgeous.

Vat Sensoukharam (also known as the Temple of the 100,000 treasures)

This is a beautiful Luang Prabang temple that is best visited in the early morning (to avoid the crowd) or at night (when the grounds are softly lit). In addition to photos of the wat itself, this is also a good vantage point to take pictures of the alms-giving ceremony, so long as you do it respectfully and at a distance. The procession of monks receiving alms passes just outside the temple. The monastery is closed during the day.

Wat Aham (also known as the Monastery of the Blossoming Heart)

Located close to the more famous and touristy Wat Visounnarath, this small and serene temple is nevertheless a good visit, if only to escape the crowd or to hide from the sun beneath the cool tree canopy. Its prayer halls are decorated with colorful murals depicting Lao life. Locals come to pray beneath the two massive bodhi trees on the grounds in order to chase away any spate of bad luck.

Wat Chom Si on the summit of Mount Phou Si

A whopping 328-step staircase takes you to Wat Chom Si, the monastery atop Mount Phou Si, and its golden stupa. Depending on your tastes, you may find the building underwhelming – but the view is always spectacular. Every sunset and sunrise, the site is stuffed to bursting with people holding cameras and patiently waiting for the golden or scarlet rays to suffuse the land of Luang Prabang and the waters of the Mekong River below. Once the sun has set, visitors can go shopping and enjoy delicious local food in the night market at the foot of the mountain.

Wat Pa Phon Phao (also known as the Temple of Tranquility)

The golden Wat Pa Phon Phao is actually visible from the top of Mount Phou Si, peeking out from the jungle. It is also set on the top of its own small hill. The architecture is unique compared to other wats, but it is still beautifully ornamented and a highly spiritual place. However, some visitors say that it is better seen afar as a mysterious and tantalizing golden sanctuary in the woods. You would not miss out on anything if you don’t visit this wat – the beauty of the high concentration of temples in Luang Prabang is that there are always more temples to marvel at.

Wat Sop Sickharam

The red pillars and golden filigree designs on this wat lend it a regally luxurious air, fitting for its location in the old quarters of Luang Prabang proper. Monks and novices often walk around the temple grounds. Some of them might even be friendly and fluent enough in English to spare the time to talk about their experiences, education, and hopes for the future. You can also see monks, seated beneath the trees, teaching acolytes in the shade.

Wat Sibounheuang

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is yet another place of worship in the old quarter. Within its peaceful environment, monks meditate and chant prayers. The air is suffused with the fragrant aroma of incense.

Vat Souvannakhiri

The “selling point” of this temple compared to its neighbors is the comparative size of its grounds. The space allows both its residents and visitors to take long, contemplative strolls through nature to muse on the nature of life or search for inner peace, even just for a few brief moments. 

Wat Pak Khan Khammungkhun (also known as the Temple at the Mouth of the Khan river)

This temple is located right outside the busier and touristy areas of the old quarter. It’s a small establishment with housing for novice monks. Check out the small museum of this temple, which hosts related exhibits on Buddhist spiritual life in Luang Prabang that feature historical photos and interesting information.

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang

This well-maintained temple, nevertheless, is a mixture of structures erected a long time ago and newer ones. Visitors might find themselves immediately awestruck at the sense of grandeur and impressed with the skill of Lao artisans in the conception and creation of intricate golden designs. Statues of naga, divine (or semi-divine) half-serpent, half-human beings guard the steps to the temple.

Wat Paphaimisaiyaram (known as the Monastery of the Bamboo Forest)

This small temple has an authentic feel. Some of the monks may want to practice their English, so you can take their request as an opportunity to learn more about their lives and practices – outside of what books and articles can tell you, as one of the many benefits of travel is to broaden the mind.

FAQs about Luang Prabang temple?

How many temples are there in Luang Prabang?

There is Luang Prabang’s 33 temples exhibit variations of Lao, Thai, and Khmer architecture. With their stunning golden spires, handpainted murals, and white-washed stupas in Luang Prabang temple.

Where is the oldest temple in Laos?

Sisaket temple is one of the oldest temples located in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos which is still in its original form. Opening hours are from 8:00 am to 16:00 every day of week and the entrance fee is 10,000 KIP Laos currency (1.2 USD).

In conclusion, the Luang Prabang temple is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhist culture or architecture. They are beautiful, peaceful places that offer a glimpse into another way of life. If you have the opportunity to visit Luang Prabang, be sure to take some time to explore the temples.

Source: Ttravel