Wat Pa Phai, Luang Prabang Overview

Wat Pa Phai is a Buddhist monastery-temple located in the city of Luang Prabang in Laos. It is one of the small temples built in Laos style of architecture, and it is famous for the murals on the sim depicting the lives of ordinary people of Laos. It is worth checking out Wat Pa Phai while exploring the town of Luang Prabang.

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Wat Pha Pai History & Significance

The temple of Wat Pha Pai was constructed in 1645. It functioned as a monastery for a retreat in the forest. The name Wat Pha Pai translates to the monastery of the bamboo forest in the local language, a name shared with other temples in the area. These monastery-temples located amidst forests were used by monks and Kings to practice Buddhism and learn meditation. A few monks reside close to the complex today.

Architecture

The main entrance has a decorated mural at the top - gilded in gold leaf and embedded with mosaic and glass work. Beneath this styled mosaic are three peacocks very well carved and painted in gold. There is a large veranda at the front of the main complex. The courtyard of the temple was built in Thai style, but the main complex follows Laos style with the sim or the congregation hall consisting of equal length tall columns.

The tiered roof is made of wood and is painted in gold. Inside is a statue of Buddha at the centre, and there are no galleries and no internal columns to support the roof - other classic features of Laos style. The walls of the wooden complex consist of many beautiful murals, including the journey of Buddha to enlightenment, his teachings along with everyday life in Laos between the 16th and 18th centuries.

How To Reach Wat Pa Phai

Wat Pa Phai is located in the old town of Luang Prabang on Savang Vatthana road. The best way to reach is by walking, which would take about 20 minutes. You can get there by hiring a Tuk-Tuk. It costs about 3 USD for a round trip. You can also rent a motorbike for about 10 to 12 USD per day, or you can get there by bike which cost about 3 to 4 USD for rent per day.