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Haw Phra Bang: The Royal Temple

A glittering temple in Luang Prabang housing Laos' most sacred Buddha image, the Phra Bang.

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Haw Phra Bang, or the Royal Temple, is a relatively new but stunning temple complex within the Royal Palace Museum grounds in Luang Prabang. It houses the Phra Bang Buddha image, the most sacred Buddha image in Laos, and is a beautiful example of traditional Laotian architecture.

A brief summary to Haw Phra Bang

Local tips

  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting the temple.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Royal Palace Museum for a comprehensive experience.
  • Note that you cannot bring your phone or water into the temple.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Haw Phra Bang is located within the Royal Palace Museum grounds on Sisavangvong Road, in the center of Luang Prabang. If you are in the central tourist district, the temple is easily accessible on foot. Enter the Royal Palace Museum grounds, and the Haw Phra Bang is located in the southeastern corner. Admission to the temple is included in the Royal Palace Museum ticket, which costs 30,000 Kip.

  • Tuk-tuk

    If you are coming from outside the city center, a tuk-tuk is a convenient option. Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. A ride from the center of town to the Royal Palace Museum should cost between 10,000 and 15,000 Kip. Agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. The admission fee to the Royal Palace Museum, which includes entry to Haw Phra Bang, is 30,000 Kip.

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Discover more about Haw Phra Bang

Haw Phra Bang, also known as Ho Pha Bang, stands as a testament to Lao art and religious devotion within the Royal Palace Museum complex in Luang Prabang. This ornate temple was constructed to enshrine the Phra Bang Buddha, a revered statue that serves as the palladium of Laos. The 83-centimeter-tall image, crafted from a gold alloy, depicts the Buddha in the Abhaya mudra, symbolizing the dispelling of fear. Legend traces the Phra Bang's origins to Sri Lanka nearly 2,000 years ago, though its style suggests a 14th-century Khmer influence. The statue arrived in Luang Prabang in 1512 and is said to have legitimized the Lan Xang royal dynasty as Buddhist rulers. The temple, however, was built much later, between 1960 and 1963, and later completed in 2006, replacing an older wooden structure. Lao and French architects collaborated on the design, blending traditional Lao elements with modern techniques. The temple boasts a three-tiered roof, an elaborate façade, and intricate wood carvings illustrating Buddhist mythology. Inside, murals and gilded statues create a serene atmosphere. The complex includes a library, a drum tower, and a bell tower. Today, the Phra Bang is taken to Wat Mai during Lao New Year, where it is ritually cleansed. Though the temple appears ancient, it is a relatively new structure completed in 2006.

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