Wat Wisunalat (Wisunalat Temple), Luang Prabang
Wisunalat Temple (Wat Wisunalat) is not only the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang but also one of the most renowned attractions in the city. Its rich history, cultural significance, and distinctive architecture make it a must-visit site for tourists.
Originally constructed in 1513 during the reign of King Visoun, who ruled Laos from 1501 to 1520, Wisunalat Temple showcases beautiful architectural elements. However, the temple suffered a devastating fate in 1887 when it was destroyed by the Black Flag Army, a group of marauders of Chinese origin who ravaged Luang Prabang. They looted the temple, carrying away precious Buddha images made of jade, gold, and precious gems, by breaking the stupa that housed them.
Wisunalat Temple holds another notable historical association as it was the original home of the revered Phra Bang Buddha. The Phra Bang Buddha resided in the temple from 1513 until 1707 before being relocated to the Royal Palace Museum. Today, Wisunalat Temple serves as the city's Museum of Religious Arts, preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Luang Prabang.
Inside the temple hall, visitors can admire a small collection of gilded Buddha statues and ancient stones dating back to the 15th century. The hall also features informative plaques in both Lao and English, providing insights into the history and iconography of the Buddhist statues. These plaques offer an opportunity to understand the various poses of the Buddha images and the artistic influences that shaped their design.
One of the prominent features of Wisunalat Temple is its uniquely shaped stupa, which was designed by the wife of King Wisunarat. While intended to resemble a lotus flower, the rounded dome of the stupa has led locals to affectionately refer to it as the "watermelon stupa."
Originally constructed in 1513 during the reign of King Visoun, who ruled Laos from 1501 to 1520, Wisunalat Temple showcases beautiful architectural elements. However, the temple suffered a devastating fate in 1887 when it was destroyed by the Black Flag Army, a group of marauders of Chinese origin who ravaged Luang Prabang. They looted the temple, carrying away precious Buddha images made of jade, gold, and precious gems, by breaking the stupa that housed them.
Wisunalat Temple holds another notable historical association as it was the original home of the revered Phra Bang Buddha. The Phra Bang Buddha resided in the temple from 1513 until 1707 before being relocated to the Royal Palace Museum. Today, Wisunalat Temple serves as the city's Museum of Religious Arts, preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Luang Prabang.
Inside the temple hall, visitors can admire a small collection of gilded Buddha statues and ancient stones dating back to the 15th century. The hall also features informative plaques in both Lao and English, providing insights into the history and iconography of the Buddhist statues. These plaques offer an opportunity to understand the various poses of the Buddha images and the artistic influences that shaped their design.
One of the prominent features of Wisunalat Temple is its uniquely shaped stupa, which was designed by the wife of King Wisunarat. While intended to resemble a lotus flower, the rounded dome of the stupa has led locals to affectionately refer to it as the "watermelon stupa."
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Wat Wisunalat (Wisunalat Temple) on Map
Sight Name: Wat Wisunalat (Wisunalat Temple)
Sight Location: Luang Prabang, Laos (See walking tours in Luang Prabang)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Luang Prabang, Laos (See walking tours in Luang Prabang)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Luang Prabang, Laos
Create Your Own Walk in Luang Prabang
Creating your own self-guided walk in Luang Prabang is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Luang Prabang Introduction Walking Tour
Initially founded as a city-state in the 8th century AD, Luang Prabang served as a religious center spreading Buddhism introduced to the region by Sri Lankan missionaries. Centuries on, their legacy is still alive in the abundance of Buddhist temples, known as Wats. Among them are the magnificent gilded 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, the former residence of the Laotian chief Buddhist; the Wat Mai... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles