Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important temples in the country of Laos. The word “wat” in Lao means temple, in this case, the Temple of the Golden City. Wat Xieng Thong is very old, built around 1560 by King Setthathirat, a patron of Buddhism, who ruled Laos from 1548 to 1571. The temple is located in a beautiful garden on the bank of the Mekong River where the Nam Khan, a smaller river runs into it.
Wat Xieng Thong Temple
There are many legends about the place where the Nam Khan enters the Mekong. It is believed to be the site where the two hermits, who founded Luang Prabang, placed the boundary stone for the new settlement. Another story tells about a betel merchant with the name of Chanthapanit who built a palace on this site, making himself the first king of the new capital. It has been said that he was the first founder of Wat Xieng Thong. Indochina tours Laos
Luang Prabang’s best-known and most visited monastery is centered on a 1560 sim that’s considered a classic of local design.
Wat Xieng Thong
Dotted around the Sim are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called Hor Tai, shaped like a tall tomb, was originally a ‘library’ but now houses a standing Buddha. The other two sport very striking external mirror-shard mosaics depicting local village life and the exploits of Siaw Sawa, a hero from a famous Lao novel. The Hor Pa Maan (‘success’ Buddha sanctuary) remains locked except during the week lollowing Pi Mai. The Hor Tai Pha Sai-nyaat (reclining Buddha sanctuary) was dubbed La Chapelle Rouge-Red Chapel by the French. It contains an especially rare reclining Buddha that dates from the construction of the temple. This one of a kind figure has an exquisitely sinuous upper body with a right hand seeming to gesture ‘Oh, whatever!’ The contrastingly rectilinear feet emerge on die-straight legs from beneath monastic robes that curl upward like rocket fumes. Tours in Laos
Mosaic Tree of Life – Wat xieng thong
Wat Xieng Thong was used from its origins as a Royal Temple where are they crowned the Kings of Laos and also as monastery. The temple is known as the gate of the city as the official Royal departed and arrived at this place.
Asia Travel.
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