Vat Pak Ou Haxavolavihan
ວັດປາກອູ ຮາຊາວໍລະວິຫານ
Built in 1547 by King Settathirath, Wat Pak Ou marks the northern spiritual boundary of Luang Prabang. Each year the King would visit during New Year, Phi Mai to ritually sprinkle water over the Buddha image. He would then enter a small cloister whereupon he himself would be sprinkled with water poured by monks and lay people from outside (This ritual would also be conducted at Vat Sangkhalok). Restoration of this cloister was funded by a sponsor in 2017. In more recent times these rituals are remembered at Phi Mai by Miss Lao New Year (Nang Sangkhan) visiting Vat Pak Ou and the nearby caves.
The sim was extensively renovated in the 1950's extending the front porch area. Adjacent to the sim stands a rare example of a traditional library building, raised off the ground to protect the religious texts from insects.
The sim was extensively renovated in the 1950's extending the front porch area. Adjacent to the sim stands a rare example of a traditional library building, raised off the ground to protect the religious texts from insects.
