experience the spiritual
in Luang Prabang
The tour takes place usually in the evening around 5pm. The the tour is free of charge, however donations to the guide or temple are highly appreciated.
"Sabaidee, I am Bounthan Sengsavang, from Luang Prabang, Laos. Wat Paphai is a temple that is deeply connected to me. Thanks to the temple my life has completely turned around. Let me be your guide and share everything I know about Wat Paphai with you."
Wat Paphai is one of the oldest temples in the historical UNESCO protected area of Luang Prabang, built in 1645.
A Buddhist temple or Buddhist monastery is the place of worship for Buddhists, the followers of Buddhism. They include the structures called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat and pagoda in different regions and languages. Temples in Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha.
In Laos, temples are also like our center of a community and used as school to teach people how to be good and be kind to each other and also used like a hospital for mental treatment such as fear, lost and against of black magic as well.
While at a Buddhist Monastery, you can indulge in any of the acts of learning and sharing. You may join the monks at prayer, or you may learn about our traditions, beliefs, and culture. You can also meditate alongside the monks to get connected to peace and solitude.
The day begins with meditation followed by group chanting of various Buddhist scriptures. After this the monks get a short period of time to themselves where they can do meditation, personal reading or study. Some of them go on walks on the different walking paths within the monastery.
The monks are sustained by the offerings of food and in turn provide spiritual merit for the almsgivers. Lay people believe that they will gain merit by giving food to sustain the monks, thereby generating “good” in their future lives. The more we give the more we get and because happiness is in giving not receiving.
My name is Bounthan Sengsavang, I’m 32 years old, I was born in a small village in Luang Prabang province about 3 and half hours away from Luang Prabang town, I have four older brothers and one younger sister so I’m the youngest boy in my family. Our family was one of the poorest families in the village because. In terms of education, a few of our siblings failed to get a good education which includes me.
Luckily some of my brothers had a chance to become monks, there were 3 of us, that had an opportunity to join the monastery such my oldest brother Mr Houmpheng the first to be ordained to be a monk for 8 years. He already left the temple many years ago, but before he left, he brought my third brother Sengdao, who is still remaining in the temple for almost 18 years now. Sengdao brought me to become a novice. I was a novice between 2008-2010 at Wat Paphai. I have gained so much from being a novice, such as understanding about living life in better way, calmness, kindness and being respectful to all creatures.
I would be really happy to share my ex-novice experiences with all of you who would be interested in Buddhist religious and culture. I always feel grateful to return back to the temple to help foreigners to learn more about Buddhism.
Laos used to be called Lan Xang, the country of million elephants. Although the elephants no longer roam the country in large numbers, Laos offers unique opportunity to see these animals surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes. In the valleys of Laos you can find larger or smaller settlements, local tribes of several ethnicities and different cultures, larger towns such as Luang Prabang with beautifully preserved architecture.
The ancient city also that was also known as Xieng Thong lies at the confluence of rivers Mekong and Nam Khan. Housing numerous buddhist temples this former royal capital is known for its beautiful preserved architecture and the morning almns ceremony.