Wat That Luang — Attraction in Luang Prabang

Wat That Luang is one of Luang Prabang's most historically significant and beautiful temples. Founded in 1548 by King Setthathirath, this grand temple was associated with the royal palace and the king himself, making it a site of deep spiritual and historical importance.

The temple and its garden are among the most beautiful in Luang Prabang, serving as a center for numerous Buddhist festivities where local villagers gather frequently. The peaceful grounds create an atmosphere perfect for prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection.

Traditionally serving as the cremation site for Lao royalty, the current ordination hall dates from an 1818 rebuild. The architecture is stunning, with intricate details that reflect both Buddhist tradition and royal heritage. The main stupa behind the ordination hall is particularly impressive and holds significant religious relics.

The temple's serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place for those seeking spiritual connection or simply wanting to experience authentic Lao Buddhist culture. Whether you're paying respects to loved ones, as I did for my mother, or exploring Luang Prabang's rich heritage, Wat That Luang offers a profoundly moving experience.

A true gem that embodies the spiritual heart of...

Le Vat That Luang (1818 et rénové en 1935 et 1965)(Nom : Monastère du grang stupa) Le vat That Luang fut construit par le roi Manthathourat en 1818. Les ciselages de bois des frontons et des portes passent pour être les plus beaux de la ville. L'intérieur du temple est décoré de fresques représentant la vie de Bouddha. Le temple renferme une superbe collection de Bouddhas dont certains très anciens. Alors que la plupart des statues de Luang Phabang sont en bois en position debout, le Vat That renferme des statues en pierre dorées en position assise. Malheureusement en 1999 des trafiquants thaïlandais ont endormi les moines et dérobé bon nombre de statues. Par mesure de sécurité les statues restantes ont été déplacées. Le That fut restauré par le roi Si Savang Vatthana dans les années 1960 pour recevoir les cendres de son père le roi Sisavang. Cette pagode (dont le nom signifie "le temple du Stupa") et son jardin figurent assurément parmi les plus beaux de Luang Phabang. Elle est le siège de nombreuses fêtes en l’honneur de Bouddha, où se réunissent fréquemment les villageois de Ban Vat That auxquels s’associent ceux de Ban Ho Xieng (dont le temple est voisin du Vat That). C’est l’un des temples les plus sacrés de Luang Phabang, là où se réunissent les vénérables de nombreux temples durant le Pimai (le Nouvel An Lao). Particularités : Lieu de crémation des membres de la famille royale jusqu’en 1975. 2 toits avec dok so faa de 15 parasols (royauté). Les vantaux des portes et fenêtres figurent parmi les plus remarquables du Laos. Le petit That doré, à l’est, contient les cendres du roi Sisavang Vong. Le grand That gris était autrefois recouvert de feuilles d’or et surmonté d’une ombrelle en cuivre. Le Bouddha en bronze (300 kg) à l’intérieur du sim provient d’un autre temple disparu. Les colonnes intérieures sont splendides de simplicité.

Wat That Luang (1818 and renovated in 1935 and 1965) (Name: Monastery grang stupa) The vat That Luang was built by King Manthathourat in 1818. The wood chiselling pediments and doors are considered the finest in the city. The interior of the temple is decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Buddha. The temple contains a superb collection of Buddhas, some very old. While most of the statues of Luang Phabang are wooden standing, the Wat That includes golden stone statues in a sitting position. Unfortunately in 1999 the Thai traffickers sleepy monks and stole many statues. For safety reasons the remaining statues have been displaced. The That was restored by King Savang If Vatthana in 1960 to receive the ashes of his father King Sisavang. This pagoda (whose name means "the temple of the Stupa") and garden certainly among the most beautiful in Luang Phabang. It is home to many festivals in honor of Buddha, which meet frequently villagers of Ban Vat That along side those of Ban Ho Xieng (whose temple is Wat That neighbor). This is one of the most sacred temples in Luang Phabang, where meet the many venerable temples during Pimai (the Lao New Year). Special features: Place of cremation of members of the royal family until 1975. 2 roofs with dok so faa 15 umbrellas (royalty). The leaves of doors and windows are among the most remarkable of Laos. The small golden That, east, contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong. The large gray That was once covered with gold leaf and topped with a copper umbrella. The bronze Buddha (300 kg) inside the sim is from an other disappeared temple. The interior columns are splendid...

A beautiful pagoda in Luang Prabang town with restoration work has just been completed. However, there are some old beautiful stupas that still exist in this pagoda. Beyond that there is a park near this pagoda where you can enjoy it in the evening. Food and music are normally available at That Luang park at an...