Temples in Laos

Historical sites of Laos include museums, architects, forests, mountains and waterfalls. But the temple is one of the most attractive to examine about Lao culture. Those who don’t understand religions say that the temple is the place for offerings  and a place for lazy people. In fact, the temple is very important for Lao people and their daily lives.
Temples have been built for monks, novices and their followers to conduct Bhuddist teachings and organise Bhuddist ceremonies. Other roles and activities that are performed in the temples are:

• Library, a place to study, research Bhuddism
• Museum and places to produce art
• Meeting places for all
• Use as visiting rooms or guest house for the poor and the orphanage

The temple is a respected and magical centre. Entering the temple, people should be respectful and dress appropriate. The temple is more beautiful than houses because the villagers offer their best items to the temple. Therefore temples are a great heritage fo the whole society and the nation. In the past, the temple acted as the centre of villages as any new village needed to have one. Some villages have more than one temple.

The more famous temples of Laos are:

Sim Wat That Luang, North Vientiane

Luang Prabang

• Wat Manolom – built by Chao Samsenethai, son of FaNgum King in the 14th century (1378-1379)
• Wat Visoune built by Chao Vixounenalath 1540
• Wat Xiangthong built by Sayset Thathirath in 1560
• Wat Sene Soukalam by Kingkitsalath in 1718
• Wat Luang by Manthatoulath in 1818
• Wat Mai built by Chao Souvannaphoummaram in the 15-16th century

Vientiane

• Wat Phrakeo built in 1565
• Wat Sisaket 1824 built by Anouvong
• Wat Ong Tue in the 15th century
• Want Inpeng in the 16th century
• Wat ThatLuang
• Wat Sokphaluang
• Wat Simoung

Savaannakehet

• Wat Xaignaphoum
• Wat Xaignamonkhoune

Pakse

• Wat Pho
• Wat Prabath
• Wat Phu Champassak

The temples above are the ones found in the big cities and along eh Meknong. Others in the mountainous and remote provinces like Houaphan, Xiangkhoang, Salavan, Attapue were almost deystroyed by the war. The temple or Wat is the place to organise the Bhuddist ceremonies and rites such as: Bun, Bhuddist ceremonies which is performed once every year. No one can separate the temple and the ceremonies.

Sim Wat Simuang Temple, Vientiane