Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong or Xieng Thoong Pagoda is one of the oldest and most important temples of Luang Prabang city in Laos. This is a symbol of great historic you should never miss in Luang Prabang.

Wat Xieng Thong was built under the reign of King Setthathirat between 1559 to 1560 with location at the junction of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River. In Laos, Wat means the Buddhist temple of golden city. However, this temple is not only a place of worship a celebration space of religious rites and festivals for Buddhists but also a royal temple under the patronage of the King and royal family.

This temple is known as a classic architectural example of Laos. Visiting Wat Xieng Thong, you can see one main pagoda surrounded by a number of small temples with the same style. The highlight of the architecture is the big curved roof which touches nearly the ground. From outside to inside, on the walls, we see the reliefs, sculptures, elaborate carvings, sharp content based on Buddha. The interior of Wat Xieng Thoong must be said to be a masterpiece. Every temple is the same. On the back of Wat, on the wall, there is a tree of human life, in red-orange colour.

Every year, on the occasion of Bunpimay (Laos’s New Year), all dignitaries in Laos Buddhist church as well as local authorities in Luang Prabang assemble to Xieng Thoong pagoda to celebrate the New Year. They practice the important ritual bath for the sacred Bhudda Prabang statue all day with perfumed water by frangipani, to show showing their devotion to Buddhism.

Wat Xieng Thong is the highest symbol of Laos Buddhism, so this destination is included on most Luang Prabang tours. You can spend half day or full day to combine to visit Wat Xieng Thong with other sacred temples and historical sites in the city. Surely you will be attracted by the peaceful beauty of this country.

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