Wat Visoun

About this place

Wat Visoun, also written Wat Visounarath, is one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang and is known for a large rounded stupa that people call the «Watermelon Stupa». It lies close to the old centre but is calmer than the temples on the main street, making it a pleasant stop on a clear morning. King Visounnarath, who ruled from 1501 to 1520, built it in 1512 or 1513 according to sources. Guides describe it as the oldest temple in the city. It housed the Prabang image, which gave Luang Prabang its name, for two periods between 1513 and 1715 and between 1839 and 1894. One source says it was restored between 1993 and 2016. In the wide courtyard you stand before That Makmo, the «Watermelon Stupa», with a dark stepped stone base, a white section and a rounded top resembling a melon. Other sources interpret it as a lotus flower, and some see a Sinhalese style in it. The hall stands behind it with its walls and decoration, and palm trees around the site make attractive pictures. It is about 500 m in a straight line from Wat Mai, so you can walk from the centre. Sources give hours of 8:00 to 17:00. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering the hall and keep quiet. Do not climb the stupa, and you can see neighbouring Wat Aham on the same visit.