Wat Xiengthong - Golden City Monastery
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Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
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Ticket price: $1/ person
At the top of the list of the best Luang Prabang temples is Wat Xiengthong. Located in the northern part of Luang Prabang, it is considered the most beautiful temple in the city. The temple was built between 1559 and 1560 during the reign of King Setthathirath. Its name means "Temple of the Golden City," indicating its significance in contributing to the area's religious spirit and major festivals.
Best Luang Prabang temples - Wat Xiengthong
The temple features a wide-roofed, intricately carved architecture. From the outside, you will notice gilded walls on a black lacquered background, depicting nature-inspired designs, scenes of ancient life, and animals.
Wat Wisunarat - The Oldest Temple
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Address: Ban Apay, Phommathat Rd., Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
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Ticket price: $1/ person
Wat Wisunarat is the oldest temple in the entire Luang Prabang temple system. It was built in 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat and is dedicated to the Prabang Buddhas. The architecture of the temple is quite distinctive. From the outside, you will notice that the roof is built in a European architectural style. That is unique among the Luang Prabang temples.
Wat Wisunarat - One of the oldest Luang Prabang Buddhist temples
As you enter the main shrine, you will be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of Buddha statues. Over the years, Wat Wisunarat has served as a repository for numerous precious artifacts related to both Buddhism and the royal family.
Wat Aham - Monastery of the Blossoming Heart
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Address: Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
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Ticket price: $0.29/ person
Wat Aham is located just about 100 meters north of Wat Wisunarat. It is a small temple that was built in 1818. As you approach the temple, you will notice the entrance pathway flanked by two ancient banyan trees. Residents believe that these trees are the dwelling place of the protective deity Devata Luang.
Monastery of the Blossoming Heart - Wat Aham
The temple's name translates to "Monastery of the Blossoming Heart." It is the residence of the highest-ranking elders of Lao Buddhism and is highly respected by the local community. The most impressive feature of Wat Aham is the statue in front of the temple, which showcases a Chinese influence in its style.
Wat Sensoukarahm - Red Temple
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Address: Sakkarin Road, Old Quarter, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
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Ticket price: Free entrance
Wat Sensoukarahm is included in the list of the best Luang Prabang temples due to its stunning architecture and fascinating historical story. It is also known as the "Red Temple" because of its beautiful emerald walls, which were constructed in 1718. If you visit, be sure to take photos with these walls as they are quite striking.
The Red Temple - Wat Sensoukharam
Additionally, it is referred to as the "Temple of the 100,000 Treasures" because it was built using 100,000 stones sourced from the Mekong River. The temple is considered the most magnificent in the Luang Prabang temple system.
Wat Pa Huak
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Address: 18/02 Khem Khong, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
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Ticket price: Free entrance
Wat Pa Huak, also known as the "Monastery in the Bamboo Forest," was built in 1861 by Phaya Si Mahanam. It is located near the Royal Palace and is situated northwest of Phou Si mountain.
Best Luang Prabang temples - Wat Pa Huak
The temple's setting amidst lush vegetation adds to its unique charm. When you visit, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful architecture blending harmoniously with the greenery of nature. Inside the temple, wall paintings are dating back to the 19th century. They depict significant historical events between Laos and China.
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Wat Chomphet
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Address: Ban Xiengman, Chomphet, Luangprabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
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Ticket price: $0.48/ person
Wat Chomphet is located on the other side of the peninsula. To get here, you need to take a boat or ferry across the river. In addition, you have to walk a considerable distance to reach the top of the mountain, so I advise you to bring a bicycle or motorbike. These vehicles are also easy to carry on a boat or ferry.
The temple is nestled amidst nature
The temple was built by the Thai people in 1888. It is renowned as the temple with the most beautiful location. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire town, the hills, and the Mekong River. Although it takes some time to travel and climb over 100 steps to reach the temple, it is truly worth it.
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
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Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
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Ticket price: $0.48/ person
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is a temple dedicated to the royal family, built in 1780 by King Anurat. It is the former home of the Phra Bang Buddha statue, the most revered Buddha image in Laos. When you visit, you will enter a space adorned with Buddha statues and intricately carved gold-plated bas-reliefs.
The walls shimmer with golden leaf gilding under the lights
Wat Mahathat - Temple of the Great Stupa
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Address: Chao Fa Ngum Road, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
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Ticket price: $0.24/ person
Wat Mahathat is considered one of the best Luang Prabang temples due to its intricate architecture. The temple is located south of Phousi Mountain and near the Mekong River. It was built by King Setthathirath in 1548. It is a destination for monks' processions during the New Year celebrations. Therefore, if you visit Laos during the New Year, you must visit this temple.
Best Luang Prabang temples - Wat Mahathat
The facade of the temple is adorned with elaborate decorations. Inside, there are two statues of Phra Mae Thorani, representing a figure in Buddhist mythology. The temple also features unique bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Lao version of the epic tale Phra Lak Phra Lam. That is the Lao adaptation of the Ramayana.
Wat Pa Phon Phao - Temple of Tranquility
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Address: E of Old Town, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 10 AM, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Ticket price: Free entrance
Wat Pa Phon Phao, known as the "Monastery of Peace," is located on a hill in the southeast of Luang Prabang town. It is included in the list of the best Luang Prabang temples due to its location and architecture. When you visit, you will immerse yourself in a sacred natural environment.
Monastery of Peace - Wat Pa Phon Phao
Wat Chom Si
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Address: Phousi, Luang Prabang
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Open hours: 8 AM - 7 PM
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Ticket price: $0.97/person
Wat Chom Si is located on the summit of Phousi Mountain. It is the last entry on the list of the best Luang Prabang temples. When you climb to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city center. The sunset view from Wat Chom Si is particularly beautiful, so I recommend visiting between 5 to 6 PM.
Best temples in Luang Prabang - Wat Chom Si
Wat Chom Si was built in 1804 by King Anourat. This temple stands out with its bright golden hue and its distinctive design. It has a seven-layered stupa on top that glitters in the sun. You can spot this dazzling sight from anywhere in the town.
Luang Prabang is truly a city of temples. Each temple has its unique architecture and beauty. I hope the Luang Prabang temples provided by New Asia Tours will be helpful to you. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need any advice about Laos tours and Laos travel. We are always ready to serve you.
