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Wat Manorom: A Blend of History and Spirituality

Discover Wat Manorom in Luang Prabang: A historic temple with stunning art, a giant Buddha, and a vital role in the community's spiritual life.

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Wat Manorom, also known as Vat Manorom, is a significant Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos, holding the largest number of resident monks in the area. While its exact founding date is debated, it's believed to have been established between the 14th and 15th centuries. The temple has been rebuilt several times, with the current sim (congregation hall) dating back to the early 1970s.

A brief summary to Wat Manorom

  • V4MM+27P, Luang Prabang, LA

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the temple. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate details of the sim's decorations, including the gold relief on the main door and the paintings on the outer walls.
  • Visit the temple in the late afternoon to experience the golden light reflecting off the temple's golden details.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Wat Manorom is located outside the center of Luang Prabang, but is still easily accessible on foot. From the Luang Prabang National Museum, head southwest on Kitsalat Road, then turn left onto Chao Fa Ngum Road. Continue straight, passing Wat Wisunarat on your right. Wat Manorom will be on your left, a few blocks further. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. There is no entrance fee to enter the temple grounds.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. From anywhere in the city center, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you to Wat Manorom. A short trip should cost around 20,000 LAK. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. The ride should take no more than 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Wat Manorom

Wat Manorom, located just outside the old city walls of Luang Prabang, is a Buddhist temple with a rich and complex history. Its origins are debated, with some theories suggesting it was founded in the 1370s by King Samsenethai as a place to inter his ashes, while others point to the 1490s and King La Sen Thai Puvanart. Regardless of its precise founding date, Wat Manorom has been an important religious site for centuries. Over the years, Wat Manorom has endured numerous invasions and suffered extensive damage. The most devastating event occurred in 1887 when a Chinese warlord and his Black Flag army virtually destroyed the temple. As a result, none of the original buildings remain intact today. The magnificent sim that stands today was constructed between 1971 and 1972 and is among the tallest in Luang Prabang. The sim is a work of art, featuring elaborate decorations. The main door boasts an exquisite gold relief, and the outer walls are adorned with paintings depicting the life of Buddha. Inside, visitors can marvel at a 6-meter-high bronze Buddha statue, cast in the 14th century in the Sukhothai style. This statue, the oldest in Luang Prabang, was heavily damaged during the Franco-Thai War, with the arms lost when the French attempted to steal them. The arms have since been replaced with cement covered in gold leaf. Today, Wat Manorom is not only a place of worship but also a center for ecclesiastical education. The temple grounds include a primary school, and many local people from poorer backgrounds send their children to become monks to receive food and education. With its large number of resident monks, Wat Manorom remains one of the most important temples in Luang Prabang, offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring traditions of Lao Buddhism.

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