Top 10 Most Famous and Beautiful Temples in Laos

The charming ancient capital, cave system with huge capacity, peaceful and pristine landscapes are not all attractive things in Laos. Traveling to this spiritual country is also a type of cultural tourism. Therefore, on your Laos tours, do not miss the opportunity to visit and explore the temples. Here are the most famous and gorgeous temples in Laos, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

1. Pha That Luang

This is a national symbol of Laos. Therefore, when referring to Laos tourism, people often think of That Luang. This temple is so famous and so “powerful” that it is printed on both the banknote and the national emblem of Laos. That Luang has a model of a wine jar, on the critique of a thirteenth-century Indian temple, outside covered with gold. In general, the pagoda is rich in Lao style and culture.

Also, That Luang consists of the main tower 45m high, surrounded by auxiliary towers, painted with magnificent and majestic golden gilding. It is one of the must-visit temples in Laos.

2. Wat Phra Kaew

In terms of rank and importance, Phra Kaew is the second only to That Luang in Laos. This temple was built in 1565 during the reign of King Sai Setthathirat and worships the statue of Phra Kaew. The pagoda was once invaded by Siamese forces, stealing the Phra Kaew statue in 1779 and flattening the entire temple in 18. However, by 1936 the Laotians had to rebuild the pagoda and finish it in 1942. Today, Phra Kaew is a large museum containing many Lao religious artworks. With exquisite decoration, sculpture, and carvings; many famous stone Buddha statues appear all over the temple; glass cabinets displaying gold, silver, and jade objects.

3. Wat Sisaket

Traveling to Laos and visiting Vientiane capital, you must not miss Wat Sisaket temple. This tourist attraction still holds more than 10 thousand Buddha statues, large and small. Besides, this place is also considered a library containing many ancient books written by hand on palm leaves. Wat Sisaket, Luang, and Phra Keo are the three most famous and “powerful” pagodas in Laos.

Wat Sisaket was built in 1818 under the reign of King Chao Anouvong in the style of Bangkok architecture. The large campus, the roof of the pagoda, is covered with dark red-brown tiles, covered with ancient moss, and are the first impressions of this temple, making people think of nostalgic things. Wat Sisaket is also a temple with many beautiful and impressive angles.

4. The sacred temple of Wat Si Muang

If you have to name the most sacred temple in Laos, it is Wat Si Muang, also known as Mother Temple. This built-in 1566 temple is the soul of the city. Therefore, this place is often very crowded because both indigenous people and near and far tourists come to pray for happiness.

Wat Si Muang is a temple dedicated to Nang Si – a woman who sacrificed herself to protect the villagers and is considered the god who protects the city. Every day hundreds of people flock to Mother Pagoda to ask for their wrists, a yellow thread with the wish of luck and happiness; White thread symbolizes purity and peace. On the occasion of the Bun Penny, there will be a carriage carrying virgins around the temple to scent perfume on the pilgrims, before the ceremony.

5. Buddha Park

25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane, Buddha Park is an extraordinary sculpture park. Constructed in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism, this park contains more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. Three most outstanding statues of the park are the king of Hindu gods riding on a three-headed elephant, a four-armed deity riding a horse, and a 12-faced deity.

6. Wat Phou

On a cruise to Si Phan Don, you cannot miss Wat Phou, the ancient ruins which can be dated back to the 10thcentury. The east of Pakse is well-known for backpackers and adventurous travelers because of Bolaven Plateau. This place houses many spectacular waterfalls among that the highest one is Tad Fane. Wat Phou complex is one of the best temples in Laos to visit.

7. Wat Xieng Thong

The outstanding Wat Xieng Thong is a highlight of the city. This masterpiece represents the characteristics of typical Luang Prabang’s style with sweeping two-tiered roofs and ornate mosaics. This monastery was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath near the intersection of Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

8. Wat Wisunarat

Wat Wisunarat dates back to 1513 and named after King Wisunarat (Visoun), who ruled Laos from 1501 until 1520. It’s the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang and the city’s Museum of Religious Arts. You can see religious artefacts and precious items related to Buddhism and the royal family.

This site features traditional Lao architecture – a unique landmark here is its unusually shaped stupa designed by the wife of King Wisunarat. While it’s supposed to resemble a lotus flower, locals often call refer to it as the ‘watermelon stupa’. Another distinguishing highlight is the European-style roof, which slopes in a manner not usually seen in Laos.

When visiting Wat Wisunarat, wear clothes covering your shoulders and legs. Avoid touching any of the relics. A respectful silence should be maintained throughout your visit.

9. Wat Sene

Wat Sene Souk Haram or literally “Temple of a 100 000 treasures” is one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, singular by its restored painting of a deep ochre color, flamboyant, and glittering with gold. Constructed in 1718 by king Kitsarath with 100 000 stones from the Mekong River, the temple consists of a pirogue shelter (where you can see a racing pirogue of extreme beauty), and a drum shelter. It is among top must-visit temples in Laos that you should not miss!

10. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

The Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham or Wat Mai (New Monastery) is one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. Its central position (in front of the night market and next to the Royal Palace) makes it one of the most visited temples of this ancient royal town.

This temple is very important for the Laotians of Luang Prabang due to its history. It served as a temple for the royal family and also sheltered for a long time the Phra Bang, which is a mystical emblem in this country. This one of the most gorgeous temples in Laos was also the residence of the highest Lao Buddhist dignitary, Pra Sangkharat.

Read more:

• Best Museums in Laos That You Should Not Miss!
• Things to Know Before Traveling to Laos
• Best Activities and Destinations for Trekking in Laos