Wat Aham: A Blend of Spirituality and History

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Discover Wat Aham in Luang Prabang: Where ancient spirit worship meets serene Buddhist tradition in a vibrant display of Lao culture.

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Wat Aham

Wat Aham, the 'Monastery of the Blossoming Heart,' is a small but historically significant Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos. Built in 1818 on the site of a much older temple, it uniquely blends Buddhist and animist traditions, reflecting the syncretic nature of Lao spirituality.

A brief summary to Wat Aham

V4PQ+X7V, Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, LA

Local tips

Remember to dress respectfully when visiting; women may be required to wear a traditional Lao skirt (sinh).
Take time to observe the two large banyan trees, believed to be the current home of Luang Prabang's guardian spirits.
Visit during the Lao New Year (Bun Pi Mai) to witness the mask dances performed with the temple's ritualistic masks.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Aham is located on Kingkitsarath Road in Luang Prabang, making it easily accessible on foot from most central areas. 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 Visoun. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. There are no entrance fees for Wat Aham.
Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Wat Aham will typically cost around 5,000-10,000 LAK per person. Agree on the price with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Wat Aham

Wat Aham, also known as the 'Monastery of the Opened Heart', offers a serene glimpse into the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang. Located near Wat Visoun, this temple stands on grounds with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally, the site was 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 spirit shrines, aiming to diminish animist practices and constructed a Buddhist temple in its place. However, this act was followed by a series of disasters, leading locals to believe that the destruction of the shrines had angered the spirits. Consequently, the shrines were rebuilt during the reign of the subsequent King. The spirit houses were destroyed again in the 20th century, and it is believed that the spirits took residence in the two large banyan trees on the temple grounds. Even today, these spirits are still worshipped alongside Buddhism.The temple itself features a simple yet colorful design. The interior boasts red and gold painted pillars and beams, with walls adorned with murals depicting Buddhist doctrines. Wat Aham also houses wooden masks used in the traditional mask dances during the Lao Lunar New Year. Stylized stucco tigers guard the entry steps, while statues of Hanuman and Ravana, characters from the Lao Ramayana, stand at the porch corners.