The gold stupa of Wat Monorom, built in the similar shape as the That Luang of Vientiane.
Your base for this tourist attraction is the Unesco World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos. For tourist information about Luang Prabang, go to Luang Prabang Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Laos, read also the Laos Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation there? Use AsiaExplorers Budget Accommodation Guide, the no-frills website to cover your budget accommodation needs.
Wat Monorom Travel Information
Wat Monorom is built on what is regarded as the oldest site in Luang Prabang, Laos. A temple of some sort has already been standing here since the 14th century. The present Wat Monorom monastery dates from 1818, although the original burned down in 1887 and was fully restored in 1972. I explored Wat Monorom as one of the heritage sites in Luang Prabang and am documenting it here for AsiaExplorers.
The original Wat Monorom was built by noblemen for the intention of keeping the ashes of King Sam Saentai (1373-1416), the son of King Fa Ngum (1353-73). Within the original 14th century sim was a 6-meter high statue of a bronze Buddha in the Sukhothai style. That 12-ton Buddha statue was destroyed when Luang Prabang was plundered in 1887. Nevertheless, it was restored in 1919. In 1971, the statue was further embellished, with repair work in cement and lacquer, and painted over with gold leaf.
Within the compound of Wat Monorom is a large square gold stupa that is like a smaller version of the That Luang of Vientiane.
If you're going to Luang Prabang, you'd be glad to know that the town is quite small. You can go to most places on foot if you want to. Otherwise, you can also catch a tuk tuk to take you around. As for accommodation, they range from very simple, basic beds to boutique hotels. You can visit the Luang Prabang Hotels guide for a list of budget accommodation.
The sim of Wat Monorom.
One of the buildings in the monks living quarters.
Guardian lions at Wat Monorom.
Prayer flag and drum tower of Wat Monorom.
Children playing in the compound of Wat Monorom.
How to go to Wat Monorom
Wat Monorom is located along New Mano Road. It can be seen in most maps of Luang Prabang. If you are staying along the Luang Prabang peninsula, it may be a distance to walk, so I would advise that you get a tuk tuk to take you there.
5 Days 4 Nights Romantic Luang Prabang Tour
Explore Luang Prabang, Pak Ou, Kuang Si Waterfalls on this 5 day 4 nights tour, provided by Exotissimo Travel in conjunction with AsiaExplorers. Details here. (This tour is conducted only until September 2012).
