Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham often simply Wat Mai or Wat May is a Buddhist temple or wat in Luang Prabang, Laos. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang. Built in the 18th century, it is near the Royal Palace Museum. An emerald Buddha statue sits inside the red-gold interior.

Wat Mai is one of the city's most sumptuous monasteries, its wooden sǐm (ordination hall) sporting a five-tiered roof in archetypal Luang Prabang style, while the unusually roofed front verandah features detailed golden reliefs depicting scenes from village life, the Ramayana and Buddha's penultimate birth. It was spared destruction in 1887 by the Haw gangs who reportedly found it too beautiful to harm. Since 1894 it has been home to the Sangharat, the head of Lao Buddhism.

Home of the Phra Bang Buddha image
After much of Luang Prabang and most of its temples were destroyed by Chinese invaders in 1887 the Wat Mai, which was spared the destruction, became the new home of the Phra Bang Buddha image. The Phra Bang, Laos’ most highly venerated Buddha image, stayed there until halfway the 20th century, when it was moved to its current location in the Royal Palace Museum. During Laos new year celebrations the image is brought in procession to the Wat Mai temple for ceremonial cleansing.

How to get to the Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
The Wat Mai is located on Sisavangvong road in Luang Prabang next to the Royal Palace Museum.

It can be reached on foot from many of the town’s attractions. A ride by tuk tuk or jumbo will cost between 10,000 and 15,000 Kip, depending on bargaining skills and distance.

Opening hours
Opening hours are from 8 am until 5 pm daily.

Entrance fee
Entrance fee is 10,000 Kip (US$ 1.30) per person.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, Luang Prabang

• Date: 1780
• Location: Sisavangvong road next to the Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang
• 3 min walk from Royal Palace
• Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
• Phone: +856 30 93 02 016