Wat Sen, Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Wat Sen is a Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang whose red walls are decorated with gold stenciled designs showing mythical creatures and deities. Inside, a large standing Buddha figure in shimmering gold sits as the centerpiece of the prayer hall.

Wat Sen was built in 1718 under King Kitsarath, eleven years after Luang Prabang separated from Vientiane. Its name refers to the 100,000 kip donated to fund the start of construction. The temple was restored twice, in 1932 and 1957, the latter marking 2,500 years since the Buddha's birth.

Monks study and meditate here as they have for centuries, making this a living center of Buddhist practice rather than just a historical site. Local people visit regularly to pray and participate in rituals that remain central to community life.

This temple stands in the old town area and welcomes visitors daily without charging entry fees, though donations help support its upkeep. Visitors can walk freely through the grounds, though removing shoes before entering prayer halls is customary.

The name Wat Sen comes from the 100,000 kip donated to fund its founding, and the Thai sources give the founder as Ta Chao Rang under King Kitsarath. The sim mixes styles: a Vientiane-type hall with Luang Prabang's stepped roof tiers and a central Chiang Khwang roof, on octagonal columns topped with lotus-bud capitals.