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 temple 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. Learn more: Luang Prabang travel guide
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How to get to Luang Prabang
To get to Luang Prabang, you can travel in various ways. Here are some recommendations for transportation to make traveling on your trip easier:
- By plane: Laos Airline (reservation line: 021/212-057 or 214-427) is where you may buy airline tickets. Flights are available starting at $76 from Vientiane to Luang Prabang one way. Visit the Laos Airline website for additional flights from Siem Reap (Cambodia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and other locations to Luang Prabang.
- By bus: The public bus ride to Luang Prabang from Vientiane’s Northern bus terminal takes about 10 hours. However, the journey is rocky and winding endlessly, and local buses are frequently crowded.
- By boat: Boats are a welcome substitute for long, choppy bus rides in northern Laos. Due to the dam’s construction, it is no longer possible to cruise from Luang Prabang to Nong Kiaow and Muang Ngoi on the Nam Ou River; however, boats continue to go up the Mekong to Huay Xai and the Thai border via Pakbeng.
How many temples in Luang Prabang
About 33 temples in Luang Prabang show various varieties of Lao, Thai, and Khmer architecture, and they are all distinguished by their spectacular golden spires, handpainted murals, and whitewashed stupas. Each has a unique history, some of which go back hundreds of years, while others have been rebuilt after being burned down and pillaged by other warring kingdoms.
12 famous Luang Prabang temple in Laos you must visit
Wat Xieng Thong (also known as the Golden City Monastery)
Wat Xieng Thong is one of the oldest, most beautiful, and most important temples in Luang Prabang 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.
- Entrance Fee: 20,000 Kip (1.17 USD) per person
- Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos

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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 temples in Luang Prabang built to house it is on the grounds of the Royal Palace, and no expenses were spared in making the temple golden and gorgeous.
- Entrance Fee: 30,000 Kip (1.76 USD) per person, includes also the entrance fee to the Museum
- Address: V4RP+MHC, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos

Read more: Alms-Giving Ceremony
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.
- Entrance Fee: Free entrance
- Address: V4WR+5M2, Luang Prabang, Laos

Read more: Wat Si Saket – The Temple With The Most Ancient Statues In Vientiane – Laos
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.
- Entrance fee: 5.000 Kip (0.3 USD) per person
- Address: Outside the peninsula, on the Wisunarat road

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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.
- Entrance Fee: 20,000 Kip (1.19 USD)
- Address: 10 Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos

Read more: Luang Prabang Night Market
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.
- Entrance fee: Free entrance but you can give a donation
- Address: V5M2+67F, 13, Luang Prabang, Laos

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.
- Entrance fee: Free entrance
- Address: V4WR+8VM, Luang Prabang, Laos

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.
- Entrance fee: Free entrance
- Address: Along main road in Old Town near Wat Xieng Thong

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.
- Entrance fee: Free entrance
- Address: On the other side of Sakkaline road, opposite Vat Sibounheuang

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.
- Entrance fee: Free entrance
- Address: Located closer to the river than the rest in Sakkaline Road

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.
- Entrance fee: Free entrance
- Address: in Luang Prabang old town, it just behind Santi Hotel

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.
- Entrance fee: 10,000 kip (0.59 USD) per person
- Address: Sisavangvatthana Rd, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang temples photos
Being a Buddhist nation, Luang Prabang’s old temples are as simple as everyday life. Here are some photos of some of Luang Prabang’s most well-known temples to help you prepare for your trip.





FAQs about Luang Prabang temples?
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.
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).
Luang Prabang is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Hundreds of monks from different monasteries roam the streets every morning seeking alms.
Yes, Luang Prabang is worth a visit. In fact, Our favorite experience in Laos is Luang Prabang. Despite being popular with tourists, it is never crowded. The ancient town was ideal for leisurely strolls while taking in the breathtaking river views.
Although purse snatching indeed occurs in Laos, just like in the rest of SEA, Luang Prabang is a secure destination to backpack and go around. Most Laotians are trustworthy. More visitors say to have felt safe here than in any other nation they have visited.
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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.