Historic Temples of Luang Prabang, Laos Luang Prabang is the cultural and historic center of Laos.  One of the most inviting cities in South East Asia, Luang Prabang lies on a picturesque peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.  The city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with historic temples, tree-lined cobblestone lanes, colorful hilltribes, great shopping and probably the best food in Laos.  The Lan Xang Kingdom (the first truly Lao Kingdom) was founded here in 1353 by Fa Ngum and remained the capital until 1545 when it was moved to Vientiane further south along the Mekong River.  The name Luang Prabang derives from a sacred Buddha image called the Pha Bang which was a gift from the mighty Khmer Empire, hence the name Luang Prabang meaning Great Pha Bang.  For us, Luang Prabang was of particular importance because of our interest in religious architecture.  It is a treasure trove of various temple styles boasting Lao, Thai and Burmese characteristics.

Wat Wisunalat Wat Wisunalat is one of Luang Prabang's oldest temples with an uniquely shaped stupa (Buddhist monument), That Makmo, which is called the Watermelon Stupa.

Typical Architectural Features of Luang Prabang Wats Include an Odd Number Tiered Roof (Three on Wat Wisunalat), a Low Sweeping Roof and an Ornately Decorated Front Portico.

That Makmo is Called the Watermelon Stupa due to its Oval Design.  Most Stupas in Laos are Shaped more like an Elongated Lotus Bud as seen in the Pha That Luang in Vientiane.

A Beautiful Lanna Style Buddha at Wat Wisunalat.

A Side Entrance to Wat Wisunalat Slightly Weathered by Time.

The Afternoon Sunlight Steaming Through the Roof of Wat Wisunalat Giving an Ethereal Feeling to the Many Buddha Images Displayed at Wat Wisunalat.

Wat Aham Wat Aham's front entrance is decorated with striking golden intricate carvings of everyday life and activities.

The Carvings on the Side of Wat Aham are One of the most Stunning Sights in Luang Prabang.

The Intricately Carved Front Doors of Wat Aham.

Wat Xieng Thong Wat Xieng Thong is the holiest temple in Luang Prabang.  It has been under royal patronage since 1560 when it was built by the great Lao King Setthathirat.  It is one of only two wats to survive the 1887 Chinese Black Flag Haw invansion of Luang Prabang.  Wat Xieng Thong is a typical example of the Luang Prabang style with low sweeping roofs and gold stenciled walls.  One of the more unique features of this temple complex is the Red Chapel decorated with colored glass mosaics depicting scenes from everyday life.

Detail of the Walls of Wat Xieng Thong.

One of the Chapels of Wat Xieng Thong with its Gold Decorated Walls and Low Sweeping Roof.

The Red Chapel in the Foreground with Wat Xieng Thong in the Background.  Notice the Gold Stenciled Walls of Wat Xieng Thong.

Close-up of the Red Chapel with Scenes from Everyday Life Depicted in Colored Glass Mosiacs.  In the Right Hand Corner, You can See Farmers Planing Rice and to the Left of that, Notice the Fisherman Getting their Daily Catch.

Another View of the Walls of the Red Chapel.

That Chomsi, Phu Si Hill That Chomsi is located at the peak of Phu Si Hill, a 100 meter high hill located in the center of the old town of Luang Prabang.

An Old Bomb Casing Used as a Planter on Phu Si Hill.

The Golden That Chomsi Atop Phu Si Hill.

A Young Novice Monk Using Old Russian Anti-Aircraft Cannon as a Makeshift Merry-Go-Round.  You Just can't Make this Stuff Up.

A Reclining Buddha Image on Phu Si Hill.  This Image is Unique for its Use of a Traditional Axe Pillow.

View of Luang Prabang from Phu Si Hill.