“The Monastery of the Blossoming Heart,” this conveys the essence of what Wat Aham signifies. It’s a temple that’s famous for accommodating deep meditation and is where the spiritual culture and the Buddhists practices of Laos is celebrated and embraced.

Wat Aham in Luang Prabang Laos- The Monastery of the Blossoming Heart

If you’re looking for a temple that embodies the Buddhist spirit of worship and where you can become acquainted with the practices of Buddhists within the scope of Lao culture, then look no further than Wat Aham. This Wat is known as the Monastery of the Blossoming Heart. In between the temple are old and large Banyan trees. These trees represent the spirit of guardianship of Luang Prabang. It also features an elaborate gateway connecting Wat Aham and Wat Wisunalat (another temple located in the city).

Reasons for Building Wat Aham in Luang Prabang Laos

Wat Aham is more than a hundred years old from the time it was built in 1818. Specifically, the temple was created to worship the two Laotian guardian spirits- the Pu No, and the Na No.  

The Guardians in Wat Aham of Luang Prabang Laos

There are two ancient stupas in the temple. They are guardians Ravana and Hanuman whom are central figures of the Indian Epic, the Ramayan and the Laotian counterpart Phalak Phalam. These stupas stand in the Southern and Eastern corners of the front porch of Wat Aham. Visitors will also notice the two stylistic stucco tigers that guard the pagoda.

There are also various features to explore inside the temple such as the giant Buddha sitting on an elaborate pedestal along with small Buddha images surrounding it while on the ground of the temple are various ritualistic masks. These masks are associated with the guardian spirits, and in fact, there is a spectacle festival called the ‘Dance of the Masks.’ During this festival, the masks are removed from their usual place of storage to be used during the Lao New Year or Laotian Lunar New Year, also known as Bun Pi.

Difference between Wat Aham and other Temples in Luang Prabang, Laos

Unlike other temples in the city, Wat Aham does not have decorations on the walls of its porch. However, inside the temple, its walls are covered with colorful murals that depict the story of the lives of the Buddha, also known as Jataka tales. Other paintings are about the Buddhist hell. It contains vivid descriptions of tortures and punishments given to those who are in hell.

The Temple of Wat Aham in Luang Prabang, Laos
Photo Source: https://cdn.britannica.com/91/84891-050-51FEC7EF/Wat-Aham-Louangphrabang-Laos.jpg

Wat Aham-One of the Famous Temples in Laos

Wat Aham is one of the temples that the inhabitants of Luang Prabang, Laos can boast about. The temple has received fantastic reviews from travelers from around the world and is considered one of the most Famous Temples in Laos. Though Wat Aham is smaller than other temples in the city, it still has few rooms for the monks that live here. Many people who travel to Luang Prabang, Laos also create their Trip and Itinerary to Vientiane.

Location of Wat Aham in Laos

The Wat Aham is a small temple located on Kingkitsarath Road of the Luang Prabang District in Laos.