Luang Prabang temple: 12 famous temples in Laos you must visit

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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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Read more: The Temples – Pha That Luang, The National Symbol Of Laos, All You Need To Know About Alms Giving Ceremony Laos

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.

Luang Prabang temple - Wat Xieng Thong is one of the oldest, most beautiful, and most important temples in the city and a popular tourist destination.
Source: Internet

Read more: Vientiane Food: The 8 Best Food You Must Try Before You Leave

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.

Vat Haw Pha Bang built to house it is on the grounds of the Royal Palace, and no expenses were spared in making the temple golden and gorgeous.
Source: Internet

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.

Vat Sensoukharam 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).
Source: Internet

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.

Wat Aha - Located close to the more famous and touristy Wat Visounnarath, this small and serene temple is nevertheless a good visit,
Source: Internet

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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.

 temples in luang prabang: Wat Chom Si on the summit of Mount Phou Si
Source: Internet

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.

The golden Luang Prabang temple - Wat Pa Phon Phao is actually visible from the top of Mount Phou Si, peeking out from the jungle.
Source: Internet

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 Sop Sickharam 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.
Source: Internet

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
Wat Sibounheuang - This UNESCO World Heritage Site is yet another place of worship in the old quarter
Source: Internet

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
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 -Vat Souvannakhiri
Source: Internet

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.

This Luang Prabang temple is located right outside the busier and touristy areas of the old quarte
Source: Internet

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 Nong Sikhounmuang  - This well-maintained temple, nevertheless, is a mixture of structures erected a long time ago and newer ones
Source: Internet

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 temple - Wat Paphaimisaiyaram - This small temple has an authentic feel.
Source: Internet

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.

wat xieng thong - Luang Prabang temple
Wat Xieng Thong (Source: Internet)
Alms Giving in Wat Xieng Thong temple
Alms Giving in Wat Xieng Thong temple (Source: Internet)
Vat Haw Pha Bang temple
Vat Haw Pha Bang (Source: Internet)
Wat Chom Si temple
Wat Chom Si (Source: Internet)
Wat Sibounheuang temple
Wat Sibounheuang (Source: Internet)

FAQs about Luang Prabang temples?

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).

What is Luang Prabang known for?

Luang Prabang is famous for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Hundreds of monks from different monasteries roam the streets every morning seeking alms.

Is Luang Prabang worth a visit?

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.

Is Luang Prabang safe?

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.

Reviewed by

Diep Van

Phone: +84901166884

Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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