Wat Aham: A Spiritual Tapestry of Buddhism and Animism

Explore Wat Aham in Luang Prabang: where ancient spirit worship meets vibrant Buddhist art and serene temple grounds.

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Wat Aham, or the 'Monastery of the Opened Heart', is a small but historically significant Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, built on the site of a 14th-century shrine dedicated to local guardian spirits. The temple's vibrant murals and serene atmosphere offer a unique glimpse into the blend of Buddhist and animist traditions in Laos.

A brief summary to Wat Aham

V4PQ+X7V, Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, LA

Local tips

Take time to observe the two large banyan trees on the temple grounds, believed to be the home of Luang Prabang's guardian spirits.
Examine the colorful murals inside the sim, which depict scenes from the Jataka tales and Buddhist hell.
Note the guardian figures at the entrance, including tigers and characters from the Lao Ramayana.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting, as this is an active place of worship. Women may be required to wear a traditional Lao skirt ('sinh').

Getting There

Walking

Wat Aham is located on Kingkitsarath Road in Luang Prabang, making it easily accessible on foot from most areas within the city center. From the intersection of Sisavangvong Road and Kingkitsarath Road, walk north for approximately 5 minutes. The temple will be on your left, next to Wat Wisunarat.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. A short ride from the city center to Wat Aham should cost between 20,000-30,000 LAK, but negotiate the price before you get in. Ask the driver to take you to Wat Aham on Kingkitsarath Road.

Discover more about Wat Aham

Wat Aham, located on Kingkitsarath Road in Luang Prabang, is a small Laotian-style Buddhist temple with a rich history rooted in both Buddhism and traditional spirit worship. The temple stands on a site that was originally a shrine dedicated to Pu No and Na No, the guardian spirits of Luang Prabang. In the 16th century, King Phothisarath, a devout Buddhist, destroyed the shrine in an attempt to end animism, and built Wat Aham in its place. However, disasters that followed were attributed to the destruction of the spirit shrines, leading to their restoration by the next king. Even after the spirit houses were destroyed again in the 20th century, locals believed the spirits resided in the two large banyan trees on the temple grounds. Today, these spirits are still honored alongside Buddhist practices. The sim, or ordination hall, was constructed in the early 1800s. Inside, the walls are adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, stories about the previous lives of Buddha, as well as graphic depictions of Buddhist hell. The temple also houses wooden masks used in Lunar New Year celebrations. Flanking the steps at the front entrance are guardian tigers, along with Hanuman and Ravana figures from the Lao Ramayana. Wat Aham is located near Wat Wisunarat, and the two temples are connected by a gateway.