Wat Luang

Wat Luang, the oldest and most magnificent temple in Pakse, Laos, is celebrated for its grandeur and religious importance in the country. This temple is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Southern Laos.

History of Wat Luang

Wat Luang is the oldest temple in Pakse, Champasak, believed to have been established in 1935, during the French colonial period. It reflects a blend of traditional Lao and French architectural influences.

Wat Luang was initially built to serve as a Buddhist school teaching numerous courses in English, business, and cultural studies for monks. Now, Wat Luang serves as a major center for Buddhist worship and community activities in Pakse. It plays a vital role in the spiritual lives of the local population, hosting various religious ceremonies, festivals, and daily practices.

Despite being around for so long, Wat Luang remains tidy and clean, offering visitors an irresistible atmosphere with its fresh air and tranquil surroundings.

The main entrance of Wat Luang (Cre: Discover Laos Tours)

What to see at Wat Luang

The architecture

Wat Luang has an exquisitely native and traditional Laos architectural style, demonstrated through the elaborated architecture of tiled roof, concrete pillars and wooden doors.

The walls are beautifully decorated with a vast range of stunning murals, featuring contemporary wall art that illustrates the life story of Buddha and various myths.

The architecture of Wat Luang (Cre: Discover Laos Tours)

The sim

In the congregation hall, also known as the “sim”, a large golden Buddha image is displayed in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” mudra. According to local belief, Buddha's footprint can be found on the temple grounds, drawing devotees from around the world. As visitors explore the temple grounds, they should not miss the opportunity to admire the collection of treasured artifacts and remarkable discoveries from the area.

The congregation hall in Wat Luang (Cre: Best Price Travel)

Other highlights

The temple also contains numerous funerary shrines that hold the ashes of members of the Lao royal family and the former prime minister, dating back to pre-revolutionary times.

Behind the temple flows the Xe Don River, where visitors can take a cruise along the shore to observe the local daily life. This setting is perfect for book lovers, who can immerse themselves in Buddhist books at the library while enjoying spectacular views of the river.

If you visit Wat Luang in the early morning or late afternoon, you’ll have the chance to experience the serene beauty of stunning sunrises or sunsets. Additionally, you should engage in pleasant conversations with the friendly monks to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and the lifestyle of the Laotian people.

Wat Luang’s Complex (Cre: Best Price Travel)

Best time to visit Wat Luang

The best season to visit Wat Luang in Pakse, Laos, is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to February. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring the temple and its surroundings. There is little to no rain, ensuring clearer skies and better conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This season also coincides with many cultural festivals and events in Laos, offering visitors a chance to experience local traditions and celebrations.

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How to get to Wat Luang

• Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm every day 
• Average visiting time: roughly 1.5 hours

You can walk to Wat Luang on foot, as it’s just a short walk from the city center to the temple. Alternatively, it’s possible to take a tuk-tuk or private taxi to get around downtown Pakse.

How to get to Wat Luang (Cre: Discover Laos Tours)

Foods to try out near Wat Luang

While Wat Luang itself doesn't have restaurants within the complex, the surrounding area offers a delightful array of street food vendors. Some include:

• Grilled Chicken: Lao-style grilled chicken skewered with bamboo sticks, and grilled until the meat is charred, and the skin is golden brown.
• Larb: A traditional Lao minced meat salad made with chicken, beef, or fish, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and toasted rice powder.
• Tam Mak Hoong: Lao green papaya salad, made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Some tips on visiting Wat Luang

• Respectful Attire: You should dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. This typically means covering shoulders and knees. For women, you should wear a Lao dress (Lao Sinh) when visiting the temple. Avoid wearing hats inside the temple.
• Quiet Observance: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while inside the temple grounds, especially during prayer times or ceremonies.
• Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of worshippers, monks, or sacred artifacts.
• Footwear: Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings as a sign of respect. 

In conclusion, Wat Luang's historical and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for those visiting Southern Laos. If you wish to visit Wat Luang or any other attractions in Pakse, don’t hesitate to contact Asia King Travel. We will do our best to aid you on your trip to the Land of a Million Elephants.

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