Wat Mai - Image 1
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Wat Mai Luang Prabang

4.4
·324 reviews·Luang Prabang, Laos

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Wat Mai - Image 1

Wat Mai Luang Prabang

Best Time

Early morning

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.4
(324 reviews)

"This temple felt very much alive, but despite all the action and things happening here, it still had a peaceful and relaxing feeling."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gilded Facade

Gilded Facade

Front facade

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

Intricate Wood Carvings

Intricate Wood Carvings

Interior and exterior walls

Detailed and beautiful carvings depicting Buddhist stories and local life, a true artistic marvel.

Ornate Interior Design

Ornate Interior Design

Main temple hall

Beautiful paintings, ceilings, and walls adorned with multiple Buddha statues and golden accents.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and peak tourist hours. Luang Prabang can get busy, so timing is key for a peaceful experience. Consider combining your visit with the nearby morning market for a full cultural immersion.

Respectful Attire & Entry Fee

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as this is an active monastery. A small entrance fee of 20,000 Kip is required, so have small denominations ready. Be aware of potential minor scams at the ticket booth.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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:

reddit.com

Not enjoying Luang Prabang, help me salvage it

reddit.com

Looking for recommendations for stuff to do in Luang Prabang, Laos

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:

reddit.com

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

4.4
(324 reviews)

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

Beautiful gilded facade
Intricate wood carvings
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Ticket seller issues
Lack of English signs

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:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wat Mai offers a visually stimulating experience for families. The vibrant colors and intricate carvings can capture children's attention, making it more engaging than a typical temple visit. While there are no specific play areas, the open courtyard and the sheer detail of the artwork provide plenty to look at and discuss. Remember to ensure children are dressed respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, and to keep noise levels down as it is an active monastery. The small entrance fee is usually waived for children, making it an affordable outing. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Wat Mai is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The entrance fee is very low (20,000 Kip), making it one of the most affordable cultural experiences in Luang Prabang. Reddit Its central location also means you can easily walk there from many accommodations, saving on transportation costs. Consider packing your own water and snacks to further manage expenses. The visual richness of the temple provides significant value for the minimal cost. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Wat Mai

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is renowned for its exquisite artistry, a testament to Lao craftsmanship. The gilded facade is particularly striking, featuring intricate relief work covered in black lacquer and then gilded. This magnificent detail, especially visible from the elevated Thanon Sisavangvong, draws the eye and showcases the temple's grandeur. Visitors often marvel at the sheer detail and the way the gold catches the light, creating a dazzling spectacle. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette

Visiting Wat Mai is a straightforward experience, but a few practical tips can enhance your visit. A modest entrance fee of 20,000 Kip is required, and it's wise to have small denominations of Lao Kip ready. Some reviewers have mentioned minor issues with ticket sellers, so being prepared can help avoid any confusion. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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