Wat Wisunalat, Luang Prabang

Wat Wisunalat, the principal temple of Luang Prabang, Laos.

Wat Wisunalat is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang that is still in use. Its name has been transcribed in a large number of ways, appearing as Wat Vixoun, Vat Visounarath, Wat Visounnarat, Wat Visoun, Vat Visounnarath, Vat Vixunhalat, and Wat Wisunarat.

Wat Wisunalat is regarded as the symbol of the kingdom's unity. Located at the corner between Wisunalat Road and Phommathay Road, Wat Wisunalat was named after King Wisunalat (1501-20) who built it between 1512-1513. The monastery is often also called Wat Vixoun, after the name of Vixoun village.

Wat Wisunalat is one of the more significant temples in Luang Prabang, The Prabang Buddha was housed in its sim (main hall) from 1513 until 1707, when it was taken to Vientiane. The Prabang Buddha has since returned to Luang Prabang, and is now kept in Haw Kham, the Royal Palace Museum in the centre of Luang Prabang.

The present sim of Wat Wisunalat dates from 1898 - the original sim was destroyed by fire in 1887, when it was attacked by Chinese marauders. The style of the present sim is similar to the original, with heavy use of massive wooden beams, but with more brickwork and plaster than the original.

Within the sim are numerous Buddha scultures, many dating a few centuries old. They are in bronzed or gilded, or simple wood.

Within the compound of Wat Wisunalat is another distinctive landmark, the That Pathum. Next door to Wat Wisunalat is another significant temple, Wat Aham.

Prayer flags at Wat Wisunalat.

Some of the Buddha sculptures in Wat Wisunalat.

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