The Most Extraordinary Temples in Laos in 2024

For a country where Buddhism is the national religion and has up to 1,400 temples, it's no surprise that the must-see attractions suggested to tourists on the map of the capital, Vientiane, are the temples. Follow us to discover these emblematic places, which bear witness to centuries-old traditions and showcase the unique architectural features of this country, often referred to as the "land of a million elephants.

Written by Tieu Bao (Local Expert) Updated on 29-03-2024

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1. Lao Temples in Vientiane

The capital of Laos is renowned for its reputation as the most peaceful city in Southeast Asia, preserving the ancient and revered legacy of being a Buddhist land. It is adorned with numerous Buddhist temples, widely regarded as some of the most significant in the country.

• That Luang (Great Stupa Temple)

Address: Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, also known as That Luang, is an iconic Buddhist monument situated in the heart of the capital city, Vientiane, Laos. This remarkable structure holds immense significance, to the extent that it is featured on the national emblem and the currency of Laos.

Constructed in the 16th century, That Luang stands as the largest and most magnificent stupa in the country. Despite enduring various instances of destruction, particularly during the Thai invasion in the 19th century, diligent efforts have been made to restore That Luang to its original form.

This central tower, almost 45 meters high, shines with its dazzling gold. Its lotus-shaped base extends with numerous petals soaring in all directions.

Each step of this tower symbolizes the main teachings leading to enlightenment or enlightenment (nirvana). Listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, That Luang embodies the symbol of the Theravada Buddhist nation of Laos.

>>> Good to know:

Have you heard of the That Luang Festival? Every year, on the full moon in November, this Buddhist festival, lasting three days and three nights, is of major importance to Laotians.

It begins with the Buddha's bathing ritual, followed by the rice offering ceremony and prayers for blessings, as well as explanations of Buddhist scriptures. The last night is marked by a candlelight procession, where Laotians pray for luck, kindness and peace for their country and their families. The festival closes with a magnificent colorful fireworks competition.

• Wat Phra Keo (Buddhist Temple-Museum)

The Phra Keo Temple, located in the capital Vientiane, is of great significance, closely following that of the That Luang Pagoda.

Inside was a very valuable jade Buddha statue. During the conquest of Laos by the Thais in 1779, this statue was taken to Thailand, to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Phra Keo Pagoda has gone through tumultuous times, undergoing several destructions and reconstructions.

Eventually, a Thai king, himself a Buddhist, recreated an identical statue and brought it back to Laos to replace the one that had been taken away.

Phra Keo Pagoda is no longer just for Buddhists who worship Buddha, but also to be a large museum that houses many Buddhist works as well as many brightly colored Buddha statues, delicately carved in stone, and modern artifacts. Many gold, silver, and jade items are kept in the temple.

>>> Good to know:

Phra Keo Pagoda was once a temple reserved for kings and royals for their prayers. That's why it's also known as the Royal Pagoda.

• Wat Si Muang (Most Sacred Temple)

Address: Wat Si Muang

Considered the holiest temple in Laos and built in 1566, Wat Si Muang is a place where Laotians often come to pray for peace and blessings.

This temple is one of a kind, holding a wrist thread tying ceremony, a Laotian tradition to wish visitors good luck and prosperity.

Inside, a sacred stone, reputed to be very heavy, is revered to grant wishes, except those related to love, according to local belief.

During your visit, don't miss these ceremonies.

>>> Good to know:

The wrist thread tying ceremony, called Baci. It is a traditional Laotian ceremony. A Baci is organized during the most important events in an individual's life: birth, wedding, funeral, New Year's Eve, etc.

The yellow threads express wishes for happiness and good luck, while the white threads symbolize purity and serenity.

• Wat Sisaket (Temple with the Oldest Statues)

Address: Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket is an ancient temple in the heart of Vieng Chan, the capital of Laos, right in front of the presidential palace. It is a very convenient place to visit.

Built in 1818, the pagoda is more than 200 years old. Despite the ups and downs as well as the aftermath of the war, it is well preserved and represents a living museum of the ancient history of Buddhism in Laos.

Chao Anuvong, the last king of the Lan Xang Kingdom, built it by blending the architectural style of early Bangkok with his own unique style.

Seen from the outside, the temple appears somewhat ruined and ancient. Yet, it is precisely this appearance that has allowed it to preserve its authenticity for centuries. Inside, what surprises all visitors is the multitude of statues. This sacred temple houses more than 6,500 statues of various sizes, of exceptional rarity, making it the temple with the largest number of Buddha statues in Laos.

A standout feature is the wall inside the main hall, made up of thousands of small niches where a Buddha statue is placed in each niche. It also has a library holding many old handwritten books.

>>> Good to know:

Inside the temple, there is a space dedicated to many headless statues. Do you know why they are the way they are?

During the war, Vieng Chan suffered heavy attacks. The enemies destroyed these statues by removing their heads, knowing that the heads of Buddha statues were often adorned with gold, silver, or jewelry. They did this deliberately so that they could take them away more easily.

Afterwards, the locals gathered these statues to preserve them in memory of the atrocities of war, hoping to inspire peace and virtue for all.

• Wat Ong Teu (Temple of the Heavy Buddha)

Address: Wat Ong Teu

Wat Ong Teu Temple (meaning Temple of the Great Statue), erected in the 16th century during the reign of King Setthathirath, is located in the heart of Vientiane, near the banks of the Mekong River.

This temple is renowned for housing the largest bronze Buddha statue in the city. It is also home to a Buddhist school named Sangha, where monks from all over the country gather to study and listen to sermons.

2. Lao Temples in Luang Phrabang

Located in the north of Laos, about 300 km from the capital Vientiane, Luang Prabang embodies the tranquility of the ancient capital. Here are some sacred temples that you shouldn't miss during your visit:

• Wat Xieng Thong (Most Important Temple in Luang Prabang)

Address: Wat Xiengthong

Wat Xieng Thong, erected in 1559 according to traditional Laotian architecture of the 16th century, is the most revered and sacred temple. Its name, Wat Xieng Thong, literally means the temple of the Golden City, testifying to its construction between 1559 and 1560. Nearly five centuries later, this site remains surprisingly well-preserved, home to iconic ancient paintings, reflections of the cultural architecture of Laos' ancient pagodas.

>>> Ready for a Laos trip: An Epic 16-Day Adventure Through Laos

Beyond being a simple place of Buddhist worship and local devotion, this temple embodies a valuable custodian of the culture and art of the ancient Lanxang Dynasty. Its interior and exterior walls are adorned with reliefs, wood-carved details, and meticulously crafted detailed narrative motifs relating the history of Buddhism.

In the past, this temple was used as a venue for the coronation ceremonies of the kings of Laos. Today, Wat Xieng Thong remains a must-see during Luang Prabang's annual grand festivities.

• Wat Wisunarat (Oldest temple in Luang Phrabang)

Address: Wat Wisunarat

Dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), Wat Wisunarat remains the oldest temple in the ancient capital of Luang Prabang.

Over time, Wisunarat Lao Temple has also served as a museum of religious art, now housing an extensive collection of sacred objects related to Buddhism and royalty.

The major attraction of Wisunarat Lao Temple is the Great Lotus Stupa, erected in the 16th century. Nicknamed the Dalian Flower Stupa or the Watermelon Stupa, this stupa owes its local name to its domed roof, reminiscent of the silhouette of a watermelon.

• Wat Aham (The Monastery of the Blossoming Heart)

Address: Wat Aham

The temple is right next to Wat Wisunarat, just a short walk away. If you come here, visit both temples to gain a better understanding of Laos' Buddhist culture and discover the unique traditional architecture dating back centuries.

Wat Aham Temple is quite small, but that's precisely what gives it its authentic charm and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. Uncrowded, it is truly a place where you can experience Buddhist culture in peace and quiet. You'll also discover beautiful murals depicting the history and culture of Buddhism in Laos.

3. Laos Temples in Champasak

Champasak - capital of southern Laos, lies on the border with Thailand and Cambodia. In the past, this area was under Khmer influence, hence the presence of some temples with Khmer styles.

• Wat Phou Laos 

Address: Vat Phou

Wat Phou Temple, an ancient architectural marvel erected over a thousand years ago, still stands today, more than a millennium after it was built in the 5th century. It is the oldest temple in Laos and was once a center of worship of the god Shiva as part of Hinduism. In the thirteenth century, it was transformed into a center of Theravada Buddhism, a role it still holds to this day.
This temple, inspired by the style of the temples of the Khmer culture of Cambodia, is often compared to a small Angkor.

Unlike other temples in Laos, it is located in the middle of nature, perched on a green hill, at the foot of the sacred mountain named Phou Kao (Elephant Mountain), in the province of Champasak. Coming here is not only about visiting the temple and praying for wishes, but also about contemplating the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

>>> Good to know:

Every year, on the full moon of the third month of the Lao Buddhist calendar, the festival of Wat Phou takes place, a celebration that includes many traditional activities such as the offering ceremony for the monks, the candle procession, and various cultural and artistic events.

4. Practical information and advice for a complete visit

• The traditional Buddhist culture of Laos includes the Tak Bat, a morning food collection by monks. This must-do practice for travelers can be observed early in the morning, mainly in Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos. For this cultural experience, get up early around 5:30 a.m. and go to any temple.
• Laos, a Buddhist country with many temples and pagodas, requires appropriate attire. Bring at least a shirt and long, discreet pants to visit the temples. You can also bring a scarf to use if needed.
• When entering these sacred places, please remove your socks and hat.

Usually, a rule board is placed at the entrance of the temple; You just have to read it and stick to it.

>>> Also read: Practical tips for a good trip to Laos

Our last words,

Laos embodies tranquility and serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the metropolises, reflecting the sweetness of a country steeped in Buddhism. Exploring the iconic temples is a must-see during your visit to Laos. Their historical and cultural richness is sure to captivate you.

>>> Read more about Laos:

• How Much It Costs to Visit Laos? Detailed Budget to Plan in 2024 
• Lao New Year Guide in 2024: Sok Di Pi Mai!
• Laos cuisine: 12 typical dishes you must try 
• The Baci Ceremony in Laos: A National Spiritual Ritual