Wat Mai: Luang Prabang's Golden Temple

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Discover Wat Mai, Luang Prabang's stunning 'New Monastery,' a royal temple with gilded carvings, rich history, and spiritual significance.

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Wat Mai Monastery

Wat Mai, or the 'New Monastery,' is one of Luang Prabang's largest and most stunning temples, known for its exquisite architecture and historical significance. Built in 1796, it served as a royal temple and a sanctuary for Laos' most sacred Buddha image.

A brief summary to Wat Mai Monastery

V4RM+6X9, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, LA

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wat Mai Monastery.

Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as Wat Mai is an active temple.
Remove your shoes and hat before entering the sim (main hall).
Visit during the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in April to witness the ceremonial cleansing of the Phra Bang Buddha image.
Take your time to admire the intricate gilded stucco bas-reliefs on the exterior of the sim, depicting scenes from Lao culture and mythology.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Mai is centrally located on Sisavangvong Road, next to the Royal Palace Museum, making it easily accessible on foot from most central points in Luang Prabang. From the Royal Palace Museum, simply walk south along Sisavangvong Road; the temple is adjacent to the museum. No costs are associated with walking.
Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. You can hire one from anywhere in the city to reach Wat Mai. Expect to pay around 65,000 LAK (approximately $3 USD) for a short trip within the city center. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a popular and eco-friendly way to explore Luang Prabang. Several rental shops are located in the central tourist district. Once you have a bike, cycle to Sisavangvong Road; Wat Mai is next to the Royal Palace Museum. Bicycle rentals typically cost around 20,000 LAK (approximately $1 USD) per day.

Discover more about Wat Mai Monastery

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, often shortened to Wat Mai, stands as a beacon of Laotian culture and Buddhist tradition in the heart of Luang Prabang. Constructed in 1796 by King Anurat, its name, meaning 'New Monastery of the Golden Land,' reflects its rich heritage and ornate beauty. The temple's history is intertwined with the royal family, having served as their place of worship and the residence of the Pra Sangkharat, the highest dignitary of Lao Buddhism.The temple's sim (main hall) is a sight to behold, showcasing the Luang Prabang architectural style with a five-tiered roof adorned with golden Naga finials. The gilded stucco bas-reliefs on the facade, created in the 1960s, depict scenes from the Ramayana, the Jataka tales, and everyday life in Luang Prabang. These intricate carvings offer a glimpse into the values and traditions of the Laotian people.Wat Mai played a crucial role in preserving Laotian identity during turbulent times. It withstood the destruction caused by Chinese invaders in 1887 and became the temporary home of the Phra Bang Buddha image, the most revered Buddha statue in Laos. Today, while the Phra Bang resides in the Royal Palace Museum, it is brought back to Wat Mai during the Lao New Year for ceremonial cleansing, highlighting the temple's continued spiritual significance.Inside the sim, visitors can admire the large gilded seated Buddha image, surrounded by numerous smaller images. A shrine also houses a version of the Emerald Buddha, adding to the temple's allure. The temple grounds also feature a slender stupa, stone chapels, a drum tower, and a library, offering a comprehensive view of Laotian religious architecture.