Wat Long Khoun
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Wat Long Khoun

4
·58 reviews·Luang Prabang, Laos

Ancient royal residence on the Mekong, offering a tranquil escape with historical charm and unique river access.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Wat Long Khoun

Wat Long Khoun

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient royal residence on the Mekong, offering a tranquil escape with historical charm and unique river access.

4
(58 reviews)

"A quiet, ancient temple with royal history, but be prepared for ticket sellers and potential begging."

Vertical photo
TIP

Clarify Entry Fees

Be aware of ticket counters and clarify what the fee is for before paying. Some find them pushy. :ticket:

Boat Access

You'll need to take a boat across the Mekong River to reach the temple. :ferry:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Royal Residence

Royal Residence

Mekong River bank

Once housed kings for 7 days before their coronation. Experience a slice of royal history.

Tranquil Temple Grounds

Tranquil Temple Grounds

Temple complex

A peaceful, quiet sanctuary with ancient monastic buildings and shaded walking paths.

Cave with Buddha Statues

Cave with Buddha Statues

Near the temple

Discover a hidden cave adorned with Buddha statues, often included with temple entry.

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Planning Your Visit

River Crossing & Entry Fees

Access Wat Long Khoun requires a boat trip across the Mekong River. Be prepared for potential ticket counters demanding fees, even if you're just passing through. Some visitors report feeling pressured, so clarify what the fee covers before paying.

Peaceful Escape & Nearby Attractions

This ancient temple offers a tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to busier sites. Explore the quiet grounds and consider visiting the nearby cave with Buddha statues if you have extra time and are willing to pay the entry fee.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy the shade of trees
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Clarify Entry Fees

Be aware of ticket counters and clarify what the fee is for before paying. Some find them pushy. :ticket:

Boat Access

You'll need to take a boat across the Mekong River to reach the temple. :ferry:

Explore the Cave

If you pay the entry fee, don't miss the nearby cave with its Buddha statues. :statueofliberty:

Consider Biking

Biking along the paved road offers a pleasant way to explore the area. :bicycle:

Tips

from all over the internet

Clarify Entry Fees

Be aware of ticket counters and clarify what the fee is for before paying. Some find them pushy. :ticket:

Boat Access

You'll need to take a boat across the Mekong River to reach the temple. :ferry:

Explore the Cave

If you pay the entry fee, don't miss the nearby cave with its Buddha statues. :statueofliberty:

Consider Biking

Biking along the paved road offers a pleasant way to explore the area. :bicycle:

Quiet Atmosphere

Enjoy the serene and peaceful ambiance, as it's less visited by tourists. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4
(58 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wat Long Khoun offers a peaceful escape with historical significance as a former royal residence. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the unique experience of crossing the Mekong by boat. However, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with pushy ticket sellers and the issue of begging children, which can detract from the serene ambiance.

"This is an ancient Buddhist temple on the bank of Mekong river from Luang Prabang central side. It is known as the accommodation of the Kings for 7 days before they had the official coronation ceremonies. You have to pass over the Mekong river by boat to access it.
This place is very quite and peacful. There is a road leading to many other temples in this area. You can walk under the trees to visit and enjoy the atmosphere here."

hoang tuan

"This is a temple is a quiet place which very few tourists visit. There are some nice wall paintings inside. Your ticket will also buy you entry into a nearby cave, which also features some Buddha statues. Visit cave and temple if you have extra time."

Martin Reindl

"Handsome small complex of monastic building of historical importance. If you want to go in that small area, a ticket is needed but not if you area using the paved road around it. Unfortunately the ticket people will tell you otherwise and are rather pushy, ruins the experience a little."

Vincent Dion

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Mekong river boat crossing
Historical royal connection

What People Dislike

Pushy ticket sellers
Begging children

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach Wat Long Khoun, you'll need to take a boat across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang. The journey offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. :ferry:

Boats typically depart from the main piers in Luang Prabang. It's advisable to inquire locally for the most current departure points and schedules. :boat:

While there's a paved road leading to the temple, accessing it usually involves a boat crossing first. Biking is a great way to explore the temple grounds once you arrive. :bicycle:

Walking under the trees provides a pleasant way to explore the temple complex and its surroundings. Biking is also an option for covering more ground. :walking:

Some visitors have reported encountering ticket counters that can be pushy about entry fees, even if you're just passing through. Clarify what you're paying for. :warning:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A ticket is generally required to enter the specific monastic buildings and the nearby cave. However, you might be able to walk around the exterior without a ticket. :ticket:

The entry fee is typically around 10,000 Kip per person, which often includes access to a nearby cave with Buddha statues. :moneybag:

Some visitors have described the ticket sellers as pushy and have felt pressured to pay. It's recommended to clarify what the fee covers before making a payment. :speech_balloon:

The ticket usually grants access to the temple's interior and a nearby cave that features Buddha statues. :statueofliberty:

While some visitors suggest taking detours to avoid ticket counters, it's important to note that the fee is for accessing specific areas. :round_pushpin:

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the ancient monastic buildings, historical significance as a royal residence, and a peaceful atmosphere. There's also a cave with Buddha statues nearby. :temple_building:

Wat Long Khoun is known for being a quiet place with very few tourists, offering a peaceful experience. :person_walking:

It's an ancient Buddhist temple that served as the accommodation for Kings for seven days before their official coronation ceremonies. :crown:

Yes, there are some nice wall paintings inside the temple that are worth observing. :art:

As with most Buddhist temples, it's respectful to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees. :clothing:

🎫 😔 Visitor Concerns

Some visitors have reported encountering begging children who they felt were encouraged by locals, which detracted from the experience. :sad:

If you have extra time, visiting the temple and the nearby cave can be worthwhile. However, be mindful of the entry fee and potential pressure from ticket sellers. :clock3:

Common complaints include pushy ticket sellers and the issue of begging children, which some feel is contrary to Buddhist philosophy. :disappointed:

Focus on the peaceful atmosphere and historical significance. Be clear about entry fees and consider if the experience aligns with your expectations. :smiley:

Some suggest taking dirt road detours to bypass ticket counters, though this might mean missing certain parts of the site. :round_pushpin:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wat Long Khoun offers a relatively peaceful environment, which can be good for families seeking a less overwhelming experience. The boat ride across the Mekong can be an exciting part of the adventure for children. However, be mindful of the entry fee and the potential for pushy ticket sellers, which might be a point of contention with younger travelers. The cave with Buddha statues could also be an interesting discovery for kids if they are accompanied by an adult. :ferry: :statueofliberty:

It's advisable to manage expectations regarding the 'attractions' for children. While the historical aspect is significant, it might not hold the attention of very young ones. The main draw for families might be the novelty of the boat trip and the quiet atmosphere. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited. :apple:

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Wat Long Khoun presents a mixed bag. The boat trip across the Mekong is a necessary expense. The main consideration is the entry fee, which some visitors feel is not always transparently explained or justified. If you're looking to save money, you might opt to explore the exterior of the temple complex without paying the fee, though this means missing out on the interior and the cave. :moneywithwings:

Some Reddit users suggest taking detours on dirt roads to bypass ticket counters, which could be a strategy for those strictly avoiding fees. However, this might compromise the ease of access and the full experience of the site. Weigh the cost against what you wish to see and experience. :round_pushpin:

🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

Wat Long Khoun is an excellent choice for solo travelers looking for a tranquil and less crowded experience. The quiet atmosphere and the historical significance of the temple offer a contemplative environment. You can wander the grounds at your own pace, absorbing the peaceful ambiance. :person_walking: :pray:

While the historical context is rich, be prepared for the ticketing situation. If you encounter pushy vendors, a polite but firm stance can be effective. The opportunity to see the wall paintings and the cave with Buddha statues can add to the solo exploration. Just be aware of the fee and decide if it aligns with your priorities for a peaceful visit. :ticket:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Mekong Crossing

Reaching Wat Long Khoun involves a scenic boat journey across the Mekong River. This is often the first point of interaction for visitors and sets the tone for the visit. The boat ride itself can be a pleasant experience, offering views of the river life and the lush landscape of Luang Prabang. Ensure you confirm departure points and times locally, as these can vary.

Be prepared for the ticketing situation upon arrival. While the temple is a place of historical and spiritual significance, some travelers have reported feeling pressured by ticket vendors. It's crucial to understand what the fee covers – whether it's for general access, specific buildings, or the nearby cave. Clarifying this upfront can help manage expectations and avoid potential frustration. :ferry: :ticket:

For those who prefer to avoid potential hassles, some visitors have mentioned exploring alternative routes, such as dirt roads. However, this might mean missing out on certain aspects of the temple complex. Weigh your priorities and decide what kind of experience you're seeking. :round_pushpin:

Historical Significance and Royal Connections

Wat Long Khoun holds a unique place in Lao history as it served as a temporary royal residence. For seven days, kings would stay here before their official coronation ceremonies, imbuing the site with a sense of regal importance. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the visit, allowing you to imagine the ceremonies and traditions that once took place here.

The temple complex itself is described as a handsome, small collection of monastic buildings. While not as grand as some of the more prominent temples in Luang Prabang, its historical significance and the quiet atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in local heritage. The wall paintings inside offer a glimpse into the artistic and religious expressions of the past. :crown: :art:

Beyond the main temple structures, the site is known for its peaceful and quiet ambiance. Visitors can enjoy walking under the trees, soaking in the serene environment. This tranquility is a significant draw for those seeking a respite from the more bustling tourist attractions. :pray:

Understanding the Entry Fee and Nearby Cave

The entry fee for Wat Long Khoun, typically around 10,000 Kip, is a point of discussion among visitors. While it grants access to the temple's interior and its historical features, some feel the fee is not always clearly justified or that the ticketing process can be overly assertive. It's important to remember that this fee contributes to the upkeep of the site. :moneybag:

A key component often included with the entry fee is access to a nearby cave. This cave houses several Buddha statues, adding another dimension to the visit. If you decide to pay the entrance fee, make sure to explore this cave to get the full experience. :statueofliberty:

For travelers on a tight budget or those who prefer to avoid the fee, some suggest exploring the perimeter of the temple via alternative paths. However, this means you won't be able to enter the main buildings or the cave. It's a trade-off between cost and access to the site's core attractions. :round_pushpin:

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