Luang Prabang is a World Heritage Site as designated by UNESCO in 1995
'' as an outstanding example of the fusion of
traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by
the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its
unique, remarkably well-preserved town scape illustrates a key stage in
the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.'' The actual citation can be read here. Approximately
34 of the original 60 Wat of this former royal city of Asia are still
intact today. These Wat are;
Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Pak Khan, Wat
Khili, Wat Si Boun Houng, Wat Sop, Wat Sene, Wat Nong Sikhunmuang, Wat
Pa Phai, Wat Sieng Mouan, Wat Chhoum Khong, Wat Paphane, Wat Pa Khe,
Wat Pa Huak, Wat Tham Phousi, Wat Chomsi,
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham,
Wat Ho Xieng, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Phone Say, Wat Phra Bat Tai, Wat
That Luang, Wat Monorom, Wat Visounnarat, Wat Thakmo, Wat Aham, Wat
Aphay, Wat Meunna, Wat Phra Phome Phao Santi Chedi, Wat Sankhalok, Wat
Xiang Men, Wat Chom Phet, Wat Long Khoun and Wat Tham. The more
important to see on a short visit to Luang Prabang are named in bold
print above.
In addition to the traditional Buddhist Tai Lao temple designs one
can also see the Lao Vernacular and French Colonial secular architecture.
Examples of these can be seen at The Royal Palace Building, The
Residence Superieure [ home of the French civil servants ], The Colonial
Department of Transport building, Diethelm House, Lamache House [ now
Auberge Three Nagas ], Sene Souk Guesthouse, Khamboua House, Sala
Prabang, various Colonial Houses, The Maison Du Patrimoine, the Ecole de
la Sante Publique, The Auberge Calao, Villa Santi Saynamkhan
Guesthouse, Satri House, The Red Cross Building, Xiengkeo Mansion [ the
home of Prince Phetsarath ] and Villa Xieng Mouane.
In addition to the architecture and art there are also the natural
scenic places of interest which include, the Mekhong River, Pak Ou
Caves, the Khan River [ Nam Khan ], Phousi Mountain and the views
therefrom.
Wat Mai Sumannaphumaham - once the home of the head of
Laotian Buddhism. The building dates to some time in the 1800's. A
gilded wall sets forth scenes from the Ramayana epic and from Buddha's
life. The Phra Bang is brought in for the Lao New Year.
Wat Paa Huak - the wat is abandoned. Murals inside are in good condition and display scenes from Mekong life.
Wat Chom Si - reached by climbing up Mt. Phousi. There are 328 steps
starting at Wat Paa Huak that lead to the top of the mountain. The wat has
a gilded classic Lao stupa. The wat was renovated in 1994.
Wat Tham Pu Si - at the bottom of Mt. Phousi on the
opposite side from Wat Paa Huak. Also connected to Wat Chom Si by
steps. Wat Tham Pu Si is a cave with a large Buddha in it.
Wat Pha Phutthabaat - a temple housing a 10-foot long "footprint" of
Buddha. The footprint dates to the 14th Century.
Wat Paa Phai - the Bamboo Forest Temple is home to a century-old fresco and some carvings that depict Lao daily life.
Wat Saen - The 100,000 Temple is named after the amount
of a donation that helped in its building. Dates to the 18th Century.
The temple is built in a Thai style, in contrast to most of the
Lao-styled wats in the city.
Wat Xieng Thong - Golden City Monastery is widely
viewed as the city's leading monastery/wat. Built in 1560 by King
Setthathirat, the wat was favored by the royal family right up to 1975.
A reclining Buddha in the wat is unique in its incorporation of Lao
body proportions.
Wat Wisunalat - Built by King Wisunalat in 1513, it
is the oldest temple in the city still in use. Parts of it were rebuilt
in 1898. The grounds contain a 100 foot stupa that pre-dates the temple
by about a decade.
