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Most of the temples that I visited throughout Laos and Thailand were very old and historical, which added to the draw of their overall beauty. Haw Pha Bang however, is not old, and in fact it was only completed in 2006, located in the grounds of the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Haw Pha Bang
Although the temple lacks the historical significance, it was built to house possibly the most important historical object in Laos, the Pha Bang (Pra Bang).
The Pha Bang is a standing bronze Buddha statue that is covered in gold leaf, and is believed to be ancient. It came to Laos in the 14th century where it was kept in the capital city, Luang Prabang, which takes it’s name from the statue.
I found Haw Pha Bang to be quite impressive, and although it is new, it is built in traditional style and materials. It’s architecture and artwork is stunning, and although the Pha Bang was not in the temple when I was there, I could see that it would sit proudly in such a beautiful temple.
Looking straight on at Haw Pha Bang
Nagas (dragons) line the stair cases
Nagas at the entrance of the temple
Looking towards the podium that is meant to house the Pha Bang, from the temple entrance
Tiled artwork inside. The detail is exquisite
Looking out of a window towards Mount Phou Si
Young monks admire the Pha Bang podium
Haw Pha Bang is an incredibly beautiful temple to add to the already stunning spiritual heart of Laos. Luang Prabang is definitely one of my favourite cities in Asia.
View of Haw Pha Bang from the steps to Mount Phou Si
What a beautiful temple! Even if it’s not very old, it still has that historical elegance of older temples.
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Five Things To Do And See In The Newcastle, UK Region
Hey Brock, yes they seem to have made sure that it has been kept in that traditional old style. It is a beautiful temple.
Dean Wickham recently posted..Bathing With Elephants in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Amazing shots!
Have to make a stop to Pha Bang during my next Laos trip!
Is it near the centre of Luang Prabang?
Thanks, Stuart! Yes it is right in the centre of Luang Prabang, located in the grounds of the Royal Palace Museum. It is located where the night market takes place at the base of Mount Phou Si. You can’t miss it! Cheers
Dean Wickham recently posted..Bathing With Elephants in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
What a stunning temple! Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful in it’s own way. 🙂
cheryl recently posted..Street Art And Graffiti In Krakow.
Exactly Cheryl! As long as the time and effort goes into it, a modern building can be just as beautiful as an ancient one. And a couple of hundred years from now, it too will have the historical significance 🙂
Dean Wickham recently posted..Bathing With Elephants in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Great photos. When I visited I found the people to be very warm and friendly. It made the visit that much better.
Thanks Thomas. I had the same experience when I was in Laos, the people are just lovely 🙂
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo Essay: An Elephant Camp in Black and White
[…] roots envelopes the most sacred item in all of Laos’s history. No pictures allowed now, but this blogger seems to have caught it before it housed the idol and has shots of the inside. We also wandered […]