Location: Luang Prabang
Top Things to do in Luang Prabang
Countries
The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos, and you'll see everything from golden-roofed temples to vestiges of colonial French architecture here. Buddhist monasteries abound in Luang Prabang, and early every morning, monks process through the streets collecting alms (their food for the day). If you want to watch or participate, though, ask your hotel for a brief etiquette lesson first—you have to distribute the food in a specific manner.
Restaurants in Luang Prabang
1. Wat Xiengthong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,268 reviews
Laos' most enchanting temple was built in 1560.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In the ancient city of Xien Thong (literally, "The Golden City"), almost at the junction of rivers Mekong and Nam Kham, King Setthathirath ordered, in 1559, the construction of a temple. It was named "Wat Xien Thong", the "Temple of the Golden City". King Setthathirath probably never imagined this would become the city's most beautiful temple, and even maybe of the whole Laos - the "Land of a Million Elephants". Later on, the city of Xien Thong was renamed to Luang Prabang, meaning "The Place of Buddha" and "Wat Xien Thong" became the royal temple, where kings were crowned and holy relics were kept. The temple was built according to the early Lao architecture features, normally referred to as "Luang Prabang Classic Style", with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Just amazing! Visit the temple, its central shrine (the holy "Sim"), side chapels, pavillions, residences and gardens. And before leaving, near its East Gate, do not dare to miss "The Royal Funerary Chapel", where the "Royal Funerary Carriage" and the "Royal Family Funerary Urns" are housed. Unmissable! Enjoy!
2. Wat Xieng Mouane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This Wat is just beautiful. It has the most fabulous intricate mosaic work all backed with laquer red. It's really startlingly striking and well worth prioritizing on your Luang Prabang to-do list. The applied arts are lovely and varied. There are many beautiful fresco type wall paintings, depected sacred themes and even the columns are elaborately painted with gold on black or red backgrounds. These places really are fabulous and quite apart from their obvious religious significance, they are power houses of style and design excellence.
3. Wat Phaphay
4. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 324 reviews
This early 19th-century temple was deemed to beautiful to destroy by the Chinese Haw.
Reviewed By SeeMoreLiveMore - Singapore, Singapore
In a place filled with temples, this is one of those that manages to stand out because of its majesty and beauty. On the grounds of the Palace Museum, it cannot be missed as its roof glistens in the sunlight.
5. Wat Long Khoun
6. Wat Sensoukharam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By Marcoluangprabang - Luang Prabang, Laos
Best place to take some photo during the alms giving. During the day is closed but you can go around 6pm when the monks chanting
7. Wat Pa Phai
8. Wat Choumkhong
9. That Chomsi Stupa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
After climbing 328 steps, at the very top of "Phou Si Mountain", you will reach the awesome golden stupa of "That Chom Si", which is considered the most important symbol of Luang Prabang's spiritual significance to Laos and to Laotians. The 20 mts high golden stupa was built in 1804 and offers privileged views of Luang Prabang and of the confluence of rivers Mekong and Nam Kham. As expected, it is a quite popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewings, what certainly means crowds on both occasions. Enjoy!
10. Wat Manorom
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Ragu88 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This temple is quite big and one of the major Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang and it does sit monastery within the temple. Go during evening prayer and it's really peaceful and felt very calm. There are few drawings and story crafted at the wall of the temple. Very beautiful and Majestic!
