VAT MAY
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Vat Mai Suwannaphumaham, one of the largest temples in Luang Prabang, is located in front of the night market, next to the Royal Palace, making it one of the most visited. The Wat Mai, whose name means "new monastery", is said to have been built around 1796 under the orders of King Anurut, who wanted to build a monastery more beautiful than the others. It was then enlarged in the 19th century. It was during its restoration during the reign of King Manthatourat (1817-1836) that it took its final name. It benefited from major renovations in 1943 and 1962.
The roof of the sim is made of five wooden sections. The gilded motifs on the walls relate the legend of Pha Vet (Vessantara), the penultimate reincarnation of the Buddha, amidst village scenes. The magnificent red interior nave with its gilded motifs on the columns and walls, the various gilded Buddha statues, including the imposing central statue, are to be appreciated. Wat Mai is of particular importance among the city's temples, for a time it was the temple of the royal family; it also housed the Phra Bang, the country's national mystical emblem, after the Chinese invasion in the second half of the 19th century. It was also the residence of the highest Lao Buddhist dignitary, Pra Sangkharat.
During Pi May, the Lao New Year, the Phra Bang, the national emblem, is displayed for 3 days in a temporary pavilion in front of the sim. People from all over the country then come to sprinkle the sacred statue with water and make wishes.
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