Located just next to the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang, on the Sisavong Vang Road, stands Wat Mai Suwannapumaram (generally simply referred to as ' Wat Mai'). The sim of this old temple escaped destruction by the Chinese Haw, who allegedly considered the sim to be too beautiful to destroy.

The most striking features of this temple, are the gold-covered reliefs, that cover the frontage of the sim. The reliefs tell the tale of Vessentara, the highest incarnation of the Buddha. Also the doors are completely covered with gold leaf.

Inside the sim is a large statue of the sitting Buddha. During the Lao new year in mid-April, the Phra Bang Buddha, which normally resides in the Royal Palace, is taken to Wat Mai. There it is displayed in a temporary pavilion. The Buddhists then have the opportunity to honour the Buddha, by washing the statue.

Look at the Interactive map of Luang Prabang for the location of this temple and others.