“Largest and most significant.” That’s how Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is often described. This temple stands as a beacon of Buddhist culture. Wat Mai means “New Monastery of the Golden Land.” Its name reflects its rich heritage and golden adornments.
Wat Mai was built in 1796. It sits near the bustling Sisavangvong night market street. The Royal Palace compound is also next door. In 1821, verandas were added to the sim, the main hall. Over the next decades, more structures went up.
In 1887, the Chinese Black Army invaded. They sacked the city. Wat Mai was one of the few temples that survived this destruction. Because it was unscathed, the Phra Bang Buddha image was moved here. The Phra Bang is the most respected Buddha statue in Laos. It was later moved to the Royal Palace Museum in the mid-20th century.
Wat Mai holds deep spiritual value for the Lao people. During Laotian New Year, people visit Wat Mai. They honor their elders and perform New Year rituals. The Phra Bang Buddha image returns from the Royal Palace Museum. Devotees pay homage and give the statue a ceremonial cleansing.
The sim is the most impressive part of Wat Mai. It is the spiritual heart of the temple. The sim has a five-tiered roof. It almost touches the ground. Golden Naga finials adorn it. A “Dok so faa” sits at the top. It consists of three golden parasols.
Verandas flank the sim. The main veranda is especially striking. Gilded stucco bas-reliefs decorate its facade. These were created in the 1960s. The reliefs depict stories from the Ramayana and the Jatakas. They also show daily life in Luang Prabang. You will see temples, animals, houses, celebrations, and dancing women.
Large black and gold stenciled columns support the veranda’s roof. Lotus leaf-shaped capitals top the columns. Gilded carvings of deities and floral motifs adorn the sim’s doors.
Inside the sim resides Wat Mai’s principal Buddha image. It is a large gilded seated Buddha in meditation. Smaller Buddha images surround it. They are in various mudras.
A shrine holds a version of Thailand’s Emerald Buddha. The original resides in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Photos inside the sim depict Phra Sangkharat. He was the highest dignitary of Laotian Buddhism. He lived in the temple in the late 19th century.
The temple grounds feature a slender stupa. There are also two small stone chapels. A drum tower and a library building stand here too. Buddhist scriptures are kept in the library. Monks live in the kuti, or living quarters. Wat Mai remains an active temple.
A boathouse stores long, slender racing boats. These boats are used in the Luang Prabang boat racing festival.
The best time to visit Wat Mai is during the dry season. This is from November to April. The weather is pleasant then. April is warmer but a great time to visit too. The Lao New Year, Pi Mai, occurs in April. Wat Mai hosts vibrant celebrations. The ceremonial cleansing of the Phra Bang Buddha image takes place.
Remember to dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and knees. Remove hats and shoes before entering. Show respect to the monks. Women should not touch them. Avoid public displays of affection. Do not purchase or accept any antiques.