Laos

Sacred Buddhist Sites of Laos

Laos' spiritual landscape is defined by its diverse Buddhist architecture, ranging from the 16th-century golden stupa of That Luang in Vientiane to the intricate mosaics of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang. This collection highlights significant sites across the country, including the ancient Khmer ruins of Vat Phou, the thousand-statue caves of Pak Ou, and the unique Siamese-style cloisters of Vat Sisaket. These locations serve as active centers of worship, preserving centuries of religious art and sacred relics.

Vat Phou

Vat Phou is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern Laos. It is at the base of mount Phou Khao, some 6 kilometres from the Mekong in…

Wat Xieng Thong

Dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the most cherished temple complexes in the region.

Pak Ou Cave

Near Pak Ou the Tham Ting and the Tham Theung are caves overlooking the Mekong River, 25 km to the north of Luang Prabang, Laos.

That Luang

Pha That Luang is a large, gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the centre of the city of Vientiane, capital of Laos.

Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang or Simuong is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Vat Sisaket

Built in 1818 in the Siamese style, this is the oldest temple in Vientiane to survive in its original form. Its cloister walls house over 6,800 Buddha images made of wood, stone, silver, and clay, dating from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Wat Sene Souk Haram

This 18th-century monastery is beautifully decorated in typical Thai style - note its maroon walls with gold decorations, richly…

Mount Phousi

Mount Phou Si, also written Mount Phu Si, is a 100 m high hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang in Laos.

Wat Visoun

The oldest temple in the city takes its name after Visoun, the king of Lan Xang from 1500 until 1520, who had it built.

Wat Choum Khong

A smaller temple that has its own special charm. Its gardens are especially beautiful, no matter the season.

Wat Luang

The largest temple in Pakse, Wat Luang serves as a Buddhist school and religious center. The complex features traditional Lao architecture with ornate carvings and contains the funeral shrines of several prominent local figures and former royalty.

That Phum Phuk Stupas

Located on a hill overlooking Luang Namtha, this site features a modern golden stupa built in 2003. It stands next to the ruins of the original 1628 stupa, which was destroyed during the Indochina War in 1966.