Luang Prabang Tourism

Wat Xieng Thong is basically a Buddhist temple located at the northern tip of Luang Phrabang, Laos’s peninsula. Wat Xieng Thong is among those most important Lao monasteries and stands out as a significant monument. There are more than twenty structures including a sim, the shrines, the pavilions and the residences, in addition to gardens of flowers, shrubs and huge trees.

The sim has been reportedly constructed during the mid-1800s, though the monastery is actually way older. The sculpture found inside is pleasing, and the ceiling has been painted with the gold nagas, an uncommon motif in such a position - possibly due to the influence of Thai Lu. Also, no table is an elaborate haang thien with the nagas at their ends. Backed by the Unesco and New Zealand, the Wat Xieng Muan has successfully been able to restore the monks' quarters to be used as a classroom for training the young novices and the monks in artistic skills required to maintain and to preserve the temples of Luang Prabang's. Wood-carving, Buddha-casting, painting are some of the skills taught, however, all of these came to a halt after 1975. The Wat Cieng Muan opensdaily from 8 in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. An Admission fee of about LAK 20,000 is usually charged.

Wat Wisunarat, also known as Wat Visoun, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos. Built in 1513 during the reign of King Visoun, the temple showcases traditional Lao architecture with influences from Theravāda Buddhism. Its most striking feature is the large, dome-shaped stupa known as That Makmo, or the "Watermelon Stupa," named for its rounded shape.

Wat Siphoutthabat Thippharam is a serene Buddhist temple located in Laos, known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Lao architecture. The temple houses a sacred Buddha footprint, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Its golden stupas, detailed carvings, and tranquil surroundings make it a spiritual retreat for meditation and a place of cultural significance.

Located on one of the main street on Sakkarin Road, Old Quarter, Luang Prabang is the Wat Sensoukaram which does not require an admission fee. It dates back to 1718 and features beautiful ruby walls. Many tourists claim that it resembles Wat Maysouvanhnaphoumaram, but it’s worth visiting the Wat Sensoukharam. The same gold and black scheme of colors presides over majority of the temple, and pairs well with blue skies. Wat Sensoukharam is also popular as Wat Sen. The temple had been originally built with 100.000 stones from River Mekong, for this, its name in Laotian culture means the “Temple of 100.000 treasures”. This whole temple had been restored back in 1957. If one is walking from Mount Phu Si along the Sakkarin Road towards Wat Xieng Thong one is bound to pass Wat Sen. Wat Sensoukaram’s glorious red walls have earned a repuation as one of the most impressive temples of the city. It is a popular place for tourists to take part and watch Tak Bat.

The Wat Mai Suwannapumaram is a popular attraction in Luang Prabang. Situated next to the famous Royal Palace Museum along the Sisavong Vang Road lays this early nineteenth century temple, the Wat Mai Suwannapumaram (popular as 'Wat Mai' to majority). The sim of this particular temple escaped destruction by Chinese Haw, according to few sources this sim was too beautiful to be destroye The four tier roof highlights religious architecture of Luang Prabang. However, more impressive are its wood carvings and the gold-leaf murals on main pillars along with the portico entrance to this temple. The intricate panels depict the last life of Buddha. During Bun Pimai festival or the Lao New Year, for purposes of ritual cleansing, the Prabang sacred Buddha image is carried from Royal Palace to Wat Mai. An entrance fee of 10,000 Kips (US $1) are charged from foreign tourists to visit the Wat Mai Suwannapumaram.