Buddhist temple, Tourist attraction
Wat That Luang
Until 1975 this temple on a low knoll outside central Luang Prabang was where Lao royalty and the highest dignitaries were cremated; today its old stupas and weathered doors stand in calm, uncrowded grounds.
The story
Its founding is dated to 1548 under King Setthathirath, though the present ordination hall comes from an 1818 rebuild under King Manthatourath. It was set on a knoll in a large open stretch of land where royal cremations and annual ceremonies were held. Behind the hall rises the main stupa, which holds religious relics, and several older, weathered stupas survive around the grounds. Monks have been carrying out restoration work, and a sign asks for donations toward it. The garden hosts Buddhist festivities that draw local villagers, but on most days the grounds are calm, with old doors and windows to study and few other tourists. Next door, That Luang Park has a big paved ground with lifelike wildlife statues and, in the evening, food and music.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Expect near-empty grounds, especially in the morning, as the temple sits outside the centre and sees few tourists.
- ✦The temple lies behind That Luang Park on the road toward Kuang Si waterfall, so it suits a stop en route.
- ✦Stay into the evening for the neighbouring That Luang Park, where food and music are usually on offer.
