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Wat Long Khoun (Temple of the Happy), Luang Prabang

Resting close to the river on the banks of the Mekong, Buddhist temple Wat Long Khoun has long and historically significant connections to the Luang Prabang royal family.

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Happy’ the temple once served as a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual rejuvenation including any new king who would retreat to the Wat for three days cleansing and meditation prior to his coronation at Wat Xieng Thong.

Wat Long Khoun is typical of local Luang Prabang architecture of the 18th century with two single level sections; the front part however was extended in 1937 as instructed by the then-reigning King Sisavonvang. This section is more elaborate in style and features gilded columns and intricate wood carvings.

The older part contains Jataka murals which still retain some of their original vibrancy telling the story of the 547 lives of Lord Buddha. The murals also feature local myths and legends incorporating Buddhist morals of kindness and the importance of giving. Unfortunately, revolutionary vandalism in the 1970s and damp weather resulted in some damages to the murals.

Wat Long Khoun seen from the east.
The newer part can be seen on the right side of the photo, and the older part can be seen on the left side.

  • The front part (right) is more elaborate in style and features gilded columns and intricate wood carvings.
  • Photograph by Alcyon, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Temple porch.
The front section is an extended portico added during the reign of King Sisavonvang in 1937.

  • It has attractive gilded lotus-capped columns and a nicely carved wooden pediment with floral spirals and graceful figures with pointed tiaras.
  • Under the portico and on the facade of the sim (ordination hall), one unexpectedly finds two historic and large bearded Chinese guardians flanking the main entry.
  • Photograph by Alcyon, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Interior of the temple.
The rear and older half is the sim (ordination hall) proper and dates from the 18th century. It has some pleasant and sometimes vibrant interior jataka murals depicting the various lives of the Buddha.

  • Unfortunately many are in poor condition because of moisture seeping into the building and from the years of neglect following the end of the monarchy.
  • There doubtless also was deliberate vandalism from the revolutionary years of the mid-1970s, as one can see numerous gouges in the murals.
  • Photograph by Basile Morin, distributed under a CC-BY 4.0 license.

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Location

Location: W42R+H2J, Luang Prabang, Laos