Wat Sen (Sensoukharam) - The Temple of 100,000 Treasures

Wat Sensoukharam - The Temple of One Hundred Thousand Treasures in Luang Prabang

The beautiful and glittering Wat Sensoukharam (sometimes spelled Vat Sene Souk Haram, but usually referred to as simply "Wat Sen") is one of the temple gems of Luang Prabang, Laos. Founded in 1718 under the orders of King Kitsarath of Luang Prabang. The temple was renovated to its current state in 1957 to correspond to the beginning of  the 25th Buddhist Era, and the 2,500 year anniversary of the Buddha's birth.

a Buddhist monk at Wat Sen, Luang Prabang, Laos

The name of the temple, which literally means "The Temple of One Hundred Thousand Treasures" refers to the 100.000 stones from the Mekong River used in the construction of the original temple buildings three centuries ago.

Buddhist monks at a temple in Luang Prabang, Laos

The monastery is one of the larger ones in Luang Prabang, with several buildings, shrines, and chapels on the grounds of the temple compound. The most stunning is the Chapel of the Standing Buddha, which houses a tall, saffron-clad golden Buddha standing in the rains-bringing posture from the Luang Prabang style.

Chapel of the Standing Buddha, Luang Prabang

Opening Hours

• Wat Sensoukharam temple is open daily from sunrise until sunset. It's a popular place to join in and to see the morning Tak Bat alms ceremony in Luang Prabang. The road in front of Wat Sen can get a little crowded with tourists during the alms rounds.

Admission

• There is no admission free. Anyone may visit Wat Sen for free.

Location and map

• https://goo.gl/maps/14DqJcHkkh42
• Wat Sen is located on Sakkaline Road, just past the intersection with 3 Nagas Hotel and Ock Pop Tok. Wat Sen is across the street from the Scandanavian Bakery.