Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1560 at the northern tip of the Luang Prabang Peninsula as a Buddhist temple by King Setthathirath. Like many other royal palaces, Wat Xieng Thong is also located near the Mekong River and is the most magnificent and representative temple in Luang Prabang.

At one end of the temple complex are several small halls and stupas containing numerous Buddha statues, including a Reclining Buddha chapel that houses a reclining Buddha dating back to the temple’s founding. This Buddha was exhibited at the Paris Exhibition in 1931, then kept in the capital Vientiane until 1964, when it was returned to Luang Prabang. In 1887, when the ancient city of Luang Prabang was sacked by the Black Flag Army, most other temples were razed to the ground, but Wat Xieng Thong survived. It is said that this was because the leader of the Black Flag Army, Deo Van Tri, had studied in this temple as a child and used it as his headquarters and resting place during the sacking of Luang Prabang.

In 1880 and 1961, a Tripitaka Library and a Drum Tower were added to the temple complex respectively. Near the eastern gate of the architectural complex, there is also a Royal Funerary Carriage House, which displays a luxurious 12-meter-high funeral carriage and many urns containing the ashes of royal family members.

Wat Xieng Thong

Must-visit reason: The most magnificent and representative temple in Luang Prabang

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Laos[Laos]

Province/State: Luang Prabang Province [Luang Prabang Province]

City: Luang Prabang [Luang Prabang]