Wat Mai Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang's largest monastery, built in the 18th century, famed for its stunning gilded facade and intricate wood carvings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Wat Mai Luang Prabang
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Luang Prabang's largest monastery, built in the 18th century, famed for its stunning gilded facade and intricate wood carvings.
"This temple felt very much alive, but despite all the action and things happening here, it still had a peaceful and relaxing feeling."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. It's an active monastery! :pray:
Small Entrance Fee
20k Kip. Have small bills ready to avoid confusion. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gilded Facade
Front facade
Magnificent gold-covered relief with black lacquer, a stunning sight especially from the street.

Intricate Wood Carvings
Interior and exterior walls
Detailed and beautiful carvings depicting Buddhist stories and local life, a true artistic marvel.

Ornate Interior Design
Main temple hall
Beautiful paintings, ceilings, and walls adorned with multiple Buddha statues and golden accents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Respectful Attire & Entry Fee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
5 days in Luang Prabang
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. It's an active monastery! :pray:
Small Entrance Fee
20k Kip. Have small bills ready to avoid confusion. :moneybag:
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Combine with Market
Visit morning market before or after for a full cultural experience. :shopping_cart:
Sunset Views
Great spot to watch the sky change colors from across the street. :city_sunset:
Luangprabang tips & tours
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. It's an active monastery! :pray:
Small Entrance Fee
20k Kip. Have small bills ready to avoid confusion. :moneybag:
Combine with Market
Visit morning market before or after for a full cultural experience. :shopping_cart:
Sunset Views
Great spot to watch the sky change colors from across the street. :city_sunset:
Peaceful Interior
Enjoy the serene beauty and intricate details inside. :lotus_position:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wat Mai is celebrated for its stunning gilded facade, intricate wood carvings, and ornate interior, offering a peaceful and visually rich experience. While most visitors are captivated by its beauty, a few have noted minor issues with ticket sellers and a lack of English signage. Overall, it's considered a must-visit temple in Luang Prabang.
"Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham was built in 1796, Wat Mai means New Monastery and was given its present name following restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourath.
The temple is the largest in Luang Prabang and is well worth a visit. A modest 20,000 kip entrance fee is applied (less than 1 US dollar).
The five-tiered roof is a wonderful sight to behold, especially from the elevated Thanon Sisavangvong. The cement covered relief on the front facade is covered in black lacquer which was then gilded, is magnificent."
Nigel Fowler Sutton
"Beautiful temple and very ornate carvings with beautiful paintings and ceilings and walls. My experience was only marred by the lady who sold tickets for the entrance. It is stated clearly a ticket cost 20k Kip. I gave her 100k and clearly signed one with my finger. She just smiled ever so innocently and proceeded to take the money without giving me the change. I told her I only required one ticket and then ever so slowly started looking for change to be returned. This is the only reason I rated it 3 stars for not being honest"
thrddyfmly
"Love to come sit opposite to this temple!! There entry fees so I didn’t go inside. Great to come during sunset too to see the colours of the sky change."
Miyo Danzel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Mai is centrally located in Luang Prabang, easily accessible by foot from many guesthouses and hotels. Tuk-tuks are readily available outside the temple for onward journeys or if you're coming from further afield. Many visitors combine a visit with the nearby morning markets or the Royal Palace Museum, as they are all within walking distance. :oncoming_taxi:
Yes, there are usually multiple tuk-tuks waiting outside Wat Mai, making it convenient to find transportation to your next destination. You can also arrange for a tuk-tuk to wait for you if you plan a longer visit. :car:
Absolutely! Wat Mai is very close to the Royal Palace Museum, just a short and pleasant walk away. It's a great way to explore the town and see multiple attractions without needing transport. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 20,000 Kip per adult. Children are typically free. It's advisable to have small denominations of Kip ready to avoid any potential confusion or issues with change. :ticket:
While the temple is generally accessible during daylight hours, it's best to visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds. As it's an active monastery, it's always a good idea to be mindful of prayer times. :clock1:
No, advance booking is not necessary for Wat Mai. Tickets are purchased on-site at the entrance. It's a straightforward process, though some visitors have noted minor issues with change, so having exact or small bills is recommended. :credit_card:
Yes, as Wat Mai is an active Buddhist monastery, it's important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing. :scarf:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Wat Mai, but always be respectful. Avoid using flash photography, especially near Buddha images or during prayer ceremonies. Capture the intricate details and serene atmosphere. :camerawithflash:
The gilded relief on the front facade is a must-capture. The intricate wood carvings and the ornate interior with its paintings and Buddha statues also make for stunning photographs. The exterior architecture itself is very photogenic. :iphone:
Drone photography is generally not permitted at religious sites in Luang Prabang, including Wat Mai, to maintain the sanctity of the place and respect local regulations. Always check local advisories before flying drones. :noentrysign:
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Inside Wat Mai, you'll find beautiful gold Buddha statues, intricate wood carvings, and stunning wall paintings depicting Buddhist tales. The five-tiered roof and the gilded facade are also significant architectural features. :statueofliberty:
Yes, children are welcome at Wat Mai and often have free entry. The vibrant colors and detailed carvings can be engaging for younger visitors, though it's important to maintain a respectful demeanor. :child:
Wat Mai is the largest monastery in Luang Prabang and is known for its particularly ornate gilded facade and extensive wood carvings. Many visitors find it to be one of the most beautiful and peaceful temples in the city, offering a serene yet vibrant experience. :star:
Unfortunately, there are very few English signs at Wat Mai, making it difficult to understand the historical context or meaning of the structures and carvings. It can be helpful to do some research beforehand or hire a local guide. :books:
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Deep Dives
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The Artistry of Wat Mai
Beyond the facade, the temple's interior is a feast for the eyes. Beautiful paintings adorn the ceilings and walls, depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology and daily life. The ornate wood carvings found throughout the temple are another highlight, showcasing delicate craftsmanship and storytelling through art. These detailed carvings, combined with the numerous Buddha statues, create a rich and immersive artistic experience that many find deeply moving and peaceful.
While the lack of English signage can be a challenge, the visual splendor of Wat Mai speaks volumes. It's a place where art and spirituality intertwine, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Luang Prabang. The temple's beauty is often described as feeling 'alive,' a testament to its enduring significance and the care with which it is maintained.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
As Wat Mai is an active monastery, respectful attire is essential. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered to show reverence. This is a common practice across all Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia and is crucial for a positive experience.
Many visitors find that combining a trip to Wat Mai with the nearby morning markets or the Royal Palace Museum makes for an efficient and enriching day. The temple's central location makes it easy to explore multiple attractions on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Luang Prabang.
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