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Visiting the pagodas

That Chomsi - Phousi Mountain

Built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourouth and ideally located at the top of Mount Phousi (in the heart of the town), Wat That Chomsi has become a symbol of Luang Prabang's spiritual significance to Laos. The Stupa is reachable after (...)

Wat Xieng Thong

The Wat Xieng Thong, "monastery of the golden city", is the religious emblem of Luang Prabang and one of the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos which was the reason why it was spared from the plunder of 1887. It was considered as the (...)

Wat Mai

The Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham or Wat Mai (New Monastery) is one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. Its central position (in front of the night market and beside the Royal Palace) makes it one of the most visited temples of (...)

Wat Wisunalat (Visoun)

Built in 1512 or 1513, rebuilt in 1896-98 Wat Wisunalat (Vixoun, Visounnarath, Vixunhalat, Wisunarat) was originally built during the reign of King Wisunarat (or Vixoun, 1501-1520) in 1513 (some suggest 1512) and represents the earliest style, (...)

Wat Sene Souk Haram

Wat Sene Souk Haram or literally "Temple of a 100 000 treasures" is one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, singular by its restored painting of a deep ochre colour, flamboyant and glittering with gold. Constructed in 1718 by king (...)

Wat Ho Xieng

This temple was called on to honour a ceremony which took place in 1548 and was presided by King Setthathirat. Carrying the same name as the Ban (synonym of village or district), the Wat Ho Xiang accommodated about 30 bonzes, in 2008, of which 4 (...)

Wat That

This temple and its garden are surely the most beautiful in Luang Prabang. It is the centre for numerous festivities in honour of Buddha, where the villagers of Ban Wat That meet frequently along with the villagers of Ban Ho Xieng (whose temple (...)

Wat Xieng Mouane

This temple, situated in the centre of town, is very peaceful. You can admire the numerous decorative pieces of work, especially the paintings, stencilling and woodwork, the gilding, as well as the numerous portrayals of Buddha. Beside these (...)

Wat Pak Kham

Also written Wat pakham, this temple, situated on the point of the peninsula opposite Heritage House, is one of the only temples in town that has not (as yet) been renovated, which gives it a certain fascination, an authenticity that the other (...)

Wat Si Boun Heuang

The temple is in essence a sacred place where everybody must respect the rules. In Laos, pagodas are almost social areas where bonzes, elders, children at play, and pious people mix . This temple is especially active at mid-day : the young (...)

Wat Phon Sai

A perfectly restored temple sheltering a pagoda, beautifully covered with frescos representing teachings of the Great Buddha. This temple is situated in a popular district, where you can also find the famous morning (...)

Wat Aham

Wat Aham signifies "The Monastery of the Blossoming Heart". This temple was surely a place for mediation and meetings between spiritual culture and Buddhist practice. Neighbouring the Wat Vitsoun, it is relatively quiet even though the district (...)

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang

Temple sheltering one of the largest pagodas in Luang Prabang, which was recently renovated. Situated opposite the "Elephant" restaurant, the pagoda is richly decorated with stencils. In a style inspired by that of Vientiane (see the (...)

Wat Aphai

Situated behind the Mount Phousi, on the banks of the river Nam Khan, in the village where is concentrated most of the bars, this temple has two features that are worth the trip : a recently renovated ‘that’, as well as a representation of Buddha (...)

Wat Tchoum Khong

The Wat Tchoum Khong (which means 'Temple with the heart of a Gong) was constructed under the reign of King Sukaseum (1836-1851). It is one of the temples with the most flowers in Luang Prabang. Situated in the middle of the peninsula, where you (...)

Wat Souvannakhiri

This temple was renovated in 2006 after having been partially destroyed by a fire. Situated at the end of the peninsula, not far from Wat Pha Kham, this temple is mainly made up of a large colonial building and a small building sheltering a (...)

Wat Sopsikhalam

Temple neighbouring the Wat Sene and whose specificities are a That covered by earthenware, sheltering the representations of Buddha, as well as a large statue of Buddha in the garden. Many young bonzes live here. The tradition is that boys must (...)

Wat Phon Pao

About 2 miles from Luang Prabang, upstream from the Nam Khan river, you can find the Wat Phon Phau on top of a small hill which is looked after by female monks. Male bonzes are dressed in a yellow robe (sometimes orange or light brown) as Buddha (...)