The ancient temples of Luang Prabang are the main attraction of this UNESCO World Heritage town in Laos. Luang Prabang is located between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and has over 30 traditional Buddhist monasteries (wats).
A day spent exploring these sacred sites is an unforgettable insight into traditional Lao culture and spirituality, with brooding multi-tiered roofs, golden mosaics and tranquil monastic grounds.
Why do this?
• World Class Heritage Architecture – 16th century Lao architecture preserved with hand carved teak wood, gold leaf stencils and glass mosaic art.
• Living Spiritual Tradition: Monks in saffron robes live, study and pray daily in living places of worship.
• Walkable – The main temples are grouped together on the old town peninsula, so it’s easy to walk or cycle between them.
What to See and Do
1. Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City)
• Highlights: The largest temple in Luang Prabang. It was built in 1560, with low sweeping roofs and an iconic “Tree of Life” glass mosaic on the back wall. 12 metre high royal funeral car.
2. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
• Highlights: Famous for its huge five tiered roof and the superb front relief panels wrought in gold depicting village life and the story of Ramayana. Go to the Night Market.
3. Wat Visounnarath (Wat Visoun)
• Highlights: The oldest working temple in Luang Prabang from 1512. It is famous for its weird lotus shaped stupa, lovingly called That Makmo (Watermelon Stupa) by the local people.
4. Morning Alms (Tak Bat)
Highlights Get up early to catch the sunrise and watch hundreds of monks walk through town, collecting offerings of rice from the faithful.
When is the best time to do it?
• Best Time: November to February when the weather is cool, dry and clear with blue skies and is perfect for walking tours of the temples.
• Best Time of Day: Early morning (7:30 AM – 10:00 AM) to avoid the heat of the midday and to see the soft light bouncing off the golden roofs.
Directions & Location
On the Old Town Peninsula of Luang Prabang you will find all the major old temples.
• Walking or cycling: You can walk or rent a city bicycle for 20,000-30,000 LAK per day.
Tuk-Tuk Local tuk-tuks are scattered all over town for quick jaunts across the peninsula.
Useful travel tips
1. Dress to impress No knees in sight, no shoulders. (sim) Remove shoes and head coverings when entering the place of worship.
2. Respect and awareness No shouting No touching the Buddha statues Always ask before photographing monks
Things to do nearby
• Mount Phousi: Climb its 355 steps at sunset for panoramic views of the temples of the old town and the Mekong River.
• Night Market in Luang Prabang
Conclusion
Buy local hill-tribe handicrafts, textiles & street food just outside Wat Mai To put it simply, The old temples of Luang Prabang are the real soul of Laos. Golden dragon carvings and peaceful chanting, a must do highlight tour of these ancient sanctuaries!
