Luang Phabang (Lao: ຫລວງພະບາງ/ຫຼວງພະບາງ) is a city in north central Laos, it was listed in 1995 for well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage. Buddhist temples are everywhere in Luang Phabang, Choumeizai will talk about Wat Visoun (ວັດພະເຈົ້າວິຊຸນນະລາດ).
Wat Visoun, also named Wat Visounnalat, was originally built during the reign of King Wisunarat (or Vixoun, 1501-1520) in 1512 or 1513 and represents the earliest style of Lao temple architecture.
The original Wat Visoun was a wooden structure, it was a spectacular example of Lao craftsmanship at its finest. However, the temple was destroyed during the invasion of the Chinese marauders in 1887.
Wat Visoun was rebuilt between 1896 and 1898, the major part of the structure was brick and plaster in place of the wood.
That Pathoum, or Stupa of the Great Lotus, is another important and prominent feature of Wat Visoun, it is in the front and northeastern side of the temple.
The stupa is known more popularly as That Makmo, which means ‘Watermelon Stupaï’ in Lao. because of its rounded dome. The dome stylistically reflects a Sinhalese influence and is the only stupa of such a shape in Laos.
