That Mak Mo (That Pathoume)

Wat Visounnarath is one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang. It was founded in 1512 under King Visounnarath and became a symbol of the kingdom’s unity. The grounds contain the main sim, monastic buildings and the stupa called That Pathoume, also known as That Mak Mo. Inside the sim are ancient Buddha images and stone steles. Its carved wooden window railings are reminiscent of Wat Phou in southern Laos.

That Mak Mo means “Watermelon Stupa,” a name inspired by its rounded dome, shaped like half a watermelon. Its full name, That Pathoume, means “Stupa of the Great Lotus.” It stands on a square base in front of the main hall and has a decorative flower-shaped finial. This rounded profile is unusual among Lao stupas. Local legend says the stupa was built in 1514 at the request of King Visounnarath’s wife, covering an old pond. It collapsed in 1914 and was restored in 1932. Old statues and precious objects were found during the work; some were returned to the stupa and others are kept at the National Museum of Luang Prabang.

The temple’s sim was burned during the looting of Luang Prabang in 1887 and repaired by 1896. Its roof was repaired again later, and the present hall is built of brick, with walls finished in lacquer and gold leaf. As you walk through the grounds, compare the stupa’s simple rounded outline with the more elaborate sim: the hall has a two-tiered roof, carved wooden window railings and naga figures on its gables. Wat Visounnarath is in Visoun village in the old part of town and fits naturally into a walk among Luang Prabang’s temples.

Address

Wat Visounnarath, Luang Prabang, Laos

On the map