Wat Aham: A Blend of Spirituality and Tradition

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Explore Wat Aham in Luang Prabang: Where ancient spirits meet Buddhist serenity amidst colorful murals and historic charm.

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Wat Aham

Wat Aham, or the 'Monastery of the Blossoming Heart', is a small but historically significant temple in Luang Prabang, Laos. Built in 1818 on the site of a 1527 temple, it uniquely combines Buddhist practices with the worship of local guardian spirits.

A brief summary to Wat Aham

V4PQ+X7V, Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, LA

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take a moment to observe the two large banyan trees, believed to be the home of Luang Prabang's guardian spirits.
Visit during the Lao New Year (Bun Pi Mai) to witness ceremonies honoring the guardian spirits.
Explore the colorful murals inside the ordination hall, depicting Buddhist teachings and local history.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Aham is centrally located in Luang Prabang, making it easily accessible on foot from most areas in the old town. From the Royal Palace Museum, walk south along Sisavangvong Road, then turn left onto Kingkitsarath Road. The temple will be on your right, next to Wat Wisunalat. There is no entrance fee.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. A short ride from the city center to Wat Aham should cost around 5,000-10,000 LAK per person. Negotiate the price before you begin your journey.

Discover more about Wat Aham

Wat Aham, nestled in the heart of Luang Prabang, offers a serene escape into a world where Buddhism and traditional spirit worship intertwine. This small temple, whose name signifies 'The Monastery of the Blossoming Heart', is located on Kingkitsarath Road, near the Nam Khan River and south of Mount Phousi.Originally, the site housed shrines dedicated to Pu No and Na No, the guardian spirits of Luang Prabang. In the 16th century, King Phothisarath, a devout Buddhist, destroyed these shrines, building Wat Aham in their place. However, disasters followed, leading to the shrines' restoration. Even after the spirit houses were destroyed 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 during Lao New Year celebrations.The temple's ordination hall, constructed in 1818, features a simple yet colorful design. Red and gold hues dominate the interior, with murals depicting Buddhist doctrines and scenes from the Jataka tales. Guardian tigers flank the front entrance steps, accompanied by statues of Hanuman and Ravana from the Laotian version of the Ramayana. The temple also houses wooden masks used in Lunar New Year mask dances.Wat Aham provides a tranquil atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to explore its history and admire its unique blend of religious traditions.