Wat Visoun

Wat Wisunarat (Wat Visoun) is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, dating back to 1513. The history of the temple is colourful with it being originally crafted from wood before being burned by Black Haw riders in 1887. Prior to invasion, Wat Wisunarat was once home to the revered Pha Bang Buddha from 1507 to 1715 which can now be viewed at the Royal Palace Museum.

Wat Visoun

The temple is a celebration of early Lao architecture and is home to a small selection of richly gilded Buddhas and some ancient stones dating back to the 15th century. One of the temple’s most unique features is its unusually shaped stupa designed by the wife of King Wisunarat to be a lotus flower but referred to by locals as ‘the watermelon stupa’. Another distinguishing highlight is the European-style roof which slopes in a manner not usually seen in Laos.