Wat Wisunarat
Wat Wisunarat, Luang Prabang’s oldest temple, is not only known as the longest functioning wat in Luang Prabang, its rich history also makes the temple such an interesting place to visit.
Originally built in the 1500s, Wat Wisunarat was one of the important landmarks that were destroyed by the Black Haw riders in 1887, and was just restored in the late 1890s. Wat Wisunarat contains significant artifacts and items related to the royal family and Buddhism such as golden Buddha statues, the watermelon stupa designed by King Wisunarat’s wife, and precious stones from the 15th-century. Wat Wisunarat once kept the revered Pha Bang Buddha and Buddhas made of gems, gold, and jade — these precious items made the wat a high target of the Haw.
Location
Temple is located at Wisunarat Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.
Opening Days and Hours
Wat Wisunarat opens from 8:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Admission fee is LAK 20,000 (USD 2.4).
How to Get There
- Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyways.
- From the airport, board a taxi to Luang Prabang’s city centre.
- From the city centre, hire a tuk-tuk to bring you to Wat Wisunarat.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
You can explore Wat Wisunarat for an hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Wat Wisunarat is from 8:00-10:00 and 15:00-17:00 as these are the times with lesser crowds.
Food
La Silapa Italian and Lao Kitchen, Bamboo Garden Restaurant, Utopia Restaurant, Lao Lao Garden, Coconut Luang Prabang, and Amigos are some of the nearby restaurants serving Lao and Western delicacies.
Nearby Attractions
- Elephant Sanctuary Village
- Royal Palace Museum
- Wat Chom Si
Stay
As for a place to stay, tourists can choose from nearby hotels such as Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel, Villa Ban Lakkham, The Apsara, Villa Santi Hotel, and The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel which offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 60 to USD 250.
