Vat That Luang Lasa Maha Vihan
One of Luang Prabang's grandest temples, "The Temple of the Great Stupa" was founded on 27 May 1548 by King Setthatirath and was associated with the Main Palace and the king. The current sim and main chedi date to 1818 and were drawn by Louis Delaporte when the French Mekong Expedition stopped at Luang Prabang in 1867. The temple suffered sever damage in a storm in 1900 and underwent major renovation ten years later. Recent renovation work to the roof and the interior was carried out 2023/24.
The main Buddha image weighs about 600kg and was transferred from Vat Aham Mungkhun which is no longer in use.
Vat That Luang stands above the traditional royal funerary grounds known as Sanam That Luang where funerals have been held for Prince Phetsarath (1959), King Sisavangvong (1961) and Pha Virachitta Maha Thela (2007). The remains of King Sisavangvong are interred in the chedi at the front of the sim.
The main Buddha image weighs about 600kg and was transferred from Vat Aham Mungkhun which is no longer in use.
Vat That Luang stands above the traditional royal funerary grounds known as Sanam That Luang where funerals have been held for Prince Phetsarath (1959), King Sisavangvong (1961) and Pha Virachitta Maha Thela (2007). The remains of King Sisavangvong are interred in the chedi at the front of the sim.