Also known Wat Manolom or Vat Mano Wat Manorom Sattharam, is located on the outskirts of the ruins of the old city in the south of the Luang Prabang city. The actual date of its establishment is not confirmed as there are contradictory views in this regard. For some, this famous Buddhist temple & monastery stands on one of the earliest site of Khmer Buddhist missions to the area whereas according to some, it was founded during the era of Sam Saen Thai (1373-1416), the son of King Fa Ngum. There are still others who believe that the temple was constructed during the reign of La Saen Thai in 1491/2.

Notwithstanding the difference of opinion as regards to the time of construction, what it widely accepted that it was a significant shrine that housed the the Pra Bang, the city's paladin, from 1502 until 1513, before it was shifted to Wat Wasunalat. The sim or the ordination hall is the most important part of any monastery and it is the same with Wat Manorom. The sim of Wat Manorom was reconstructed in 1818, however, the Haw mauraders caused extreme damage to it. The sim that stands today was reconstructed in 1972 and is one of the tallest sims in the Luang Prabang.

Residing within the sim is a great Buddha image on the nave. The six metre tall bronze statue was cast in the 1370s during the rule of Sam Saen Thai and reflects the Sukhothai-Thai style rather than Khmer style which was dominant Buddhist element prior to this time. Post its construction, the style of the image became an integral part of the Lao style of sculptural art.

The two tons statue is a sitting image of Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra of touching the earth. It is the oldest statue of the city and spent a considerable portion of time, post its construction, outside the sim. In the late 19th century, the Haw invasion and the Franco-Thai fighting caused immense damage to the statue. The French, it is believed, even carried along the arms though they could not reach their destination as the boat sank in the Mekong river. It was only in 1972 when the sim was reconstructed, that the image was shifted inside and new arms made of cement were added.

The monastic community of the monastery is perhaps the largest one in the Luang Prabang area and includes both novices and monks. There is also a primary school in the monastery

Luang Prabang
Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang largely comprises of a sole long stretch that has the ancient temple of Xieng Thong at one end and the morning market at the other. It was declared a world heritage site in 1995, but much before this, it gained attention for being the the royal capital of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.

A number of temples and religious site dot the land of Laung Prabang. Infact, even its name has a religious connection. It is derived from the golden statue that's kept here, the Prabang. The town's name, hence means "great holy image". Luang Prabang has also been a centre of Buddhist learning for quiet a long time now. Even today, when you wake up in the morning and take a walk round the streets, you will find monks, dressed in saffron robes, seeking their morning meals inreturn of blessings.

For those of you who intend to make a visit to this wonderful Buddhist destination, just know that the hotel accommodation is pretty good. Hence, any sort of problem arising out of accommodation is minimal. Also, make it a point to spend atleast three days in the town so as to enjoy your visit completely. Other Attractions

• The Royal Palace Museum : A palace that housed the royalty earlier is now home to the national Museum. Nonetheless, the royalty of the past is still visible in the exhibits of the museum, specially the Royal throne of the ancient kingdom of Laos. The image of Buddha that give Luang Pranbang its name is a prized possession of this museum and you are expected to dress up respectably when you pay a visit to this image. The museum is open from 8.30 to 10.30 am and then 2 to 4 pm.
  
  
• Wat Xieng Thong : This wat, located on the Xienthong Road, has been the prime reason for Luang Prabang being designated the World Heritage Site. It was built by King Saisetthathirat in 1560. The sim of the monastery has beautiful frescoes and dharma wheels adorning its interior walls and ceilings. Also to be seen in the monastery are a standing Buddha image (paraded annually through the town) and a rare reclining Buddha image. The royal funeral carriage of King Sisavang Vong is yet another attraction of the wat. The carriage is a 12 meter high wooden hearse with a carved seven headed serpent.
  
  
• Wat Mai : This one is located on Sisavang Vong Street besides the Royal palace. It originally served as the home of the Buddhist leader, Phra Sangkharath and was also called Wat Souvanna Phommaram. Within the golden bas reliefs of the walls narrate the story of Buddha's incarnation and depict scenes of village life. This wat once housed the golden Pra Bang, or 'large buddha image' and even today, the statue returns here annually for its ritual cleansing.
  
  
• Wat That Luang : Located just off the Thanon Phu Wao Road, this wat is believed to have been constructed by Indian missionaries in 3rd century BC. The sim, that stands today, was constructed in 1818 by King Manthaturat. A gold stupa in the end of the compound contains the remains of the one of the most loved king of Luang Prabang, King Sisavang Vong. A stone stupa in the courtyard is considered sacred for it is believed to contain some remains of Buddha.
  
  
• Phu Si : Located in the centre of the town, the Phu Si hill not only offers some fantastic views of surrounding areas, but also houses the ruins of some wats. On the north-eastern side of the hill are the ruins of the 14th century Wat Pra Putthabaat which is believed to preserve the footprints of Buddha. On the northern side of the hill is the ruins of another wat, Wat Paa Huak. The sim of the monastery is in a sorry state and badly needs some restoration work. The summit of the hill was home to a number of temples in the 18th century, however, what remains of all that today is a 24 metre high gold stupa, That Chomsi.