English Name: Ancient Kilns and Bronze Drum & Mahaphot Temple
Type:  Religion, Culture
Best Time: Lao New Year, the start and end of Buddhist Lent (Kaophansa-Orkphansa) and the annual Boat Racing Festival in October
Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 hour
Opening Hours:
Location: A hilltop just south of the Vieng Phouka Town

Why is Ancient Kilns and Bronze Drum & Mahaphot Temple So Special?

Southwest of Mahaphot Temple are a number of earthen mounds that were once kilns, believed to have been used to manufacture bronze drums known as kong bang in Lao. These drums, a symbol of status and wealth, can be seen in the Luang Namtha Province Museum. There are also a number of privately owned drums remaining in Vieng Phoukha. Mahaphot Temple and other abandoned temples in Vieng Phoukha are believed to date to the 16th-17th centuries. Surrounding this abandoned temple is a series of ramparts called “kou vieng” in Laos. Many people believed that these ruins are protected by spirits and if you take anything from the ancient sites you will suffer sickness and perhaps death.

How to Get There

Mahaphot Temple and an ancient city are located on a hilltop just south of the Vieng Phouka Town. This temple cannot be found on Google Maps. You can ask the locals or your tour guide for directions.

Attractions Near Ancient Kilns and Bronze Drum & Mahaphot Temple

The Vieng Phoukha Museum is also a nice place to learn about the local culture and ethnic minorities. Kao Rao Cave is also located on Road 3, and it is closer to Luang Namtha Airport. You can visit Kao Rao Cave first before heading to Vieng Phoukha Museum.

Useful Travel Tips

1.Best Time to Visit

Wander around town to see three important Buddhist temples. These are busy places during Lao New Year, the start and end of Buddhist Lent (Kaophansa-Orkphansa) and the annual Boat Racing Festival in October. If you are there at these times, you can see alms giving, candlelight processions and Buddha image watering.

2. Route Suggestion

I'm sorry that there is very little information available about Mahaphot Temple, so the other tip I can provide you with is a route suggestion. If you are interested in the landmark, you can first go to Kao Rao Cave and then visit Musemu. After that, you can tour the temples in this small town.

Recommended Tours in Luang NamTha

We listed some of the tours in Luang NamTha, Laos as bellow:

11 Days Northern Laos Luang Namtha Hilltribes and Jungles Trekking Tour from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang

4 Days Luang Namtha Trekking Tour of Nam Ha NPA – Explore Akha and Khmu Ethnic Villages

4 Days Luang Namtha Trekking Tour to Vieng Phoukha

5 Days Luang Namtha Trekking and Camping Tour