Wat Monorom, Luang Prabang

The gold stupa of Wat Monorom, built in the similar shape as the That Luang of Vientiane.

Wat Monorom, whose name is also written as Wat Manorom and Wat Manolom, is a monastery in Luang Prabang. It was built on what is regarded as the oldest site in the town. 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 initially, and presently for Penang.

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.

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.

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