Luang Prabang Wat Xieng Thong Temple
This magnificent temple is is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang and was built around the year 1560 by King Setthathirat, the ruler of Laos back then.
The temple has many names like Xieng Thong Ratsavoravihanh or Volavihan the “Golden City or Golden Tree Monastery”. But most would call this place Wat Xieng Thong Temple.
Wat Xieng Thong Temple in Luang Prabang
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| Stucco Entrance to Wat Xieng Thong Temple |
The Wat Xieng Thong Temple is also located in the main town area so getting here is just a casual walk from the main street of Luang Prabang.
There is an entry fee of KIP 5,000 (US$0.50), and you pay at the temple entrance, and the money goes to the temple conservation.
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| Chariot Chapel at Wat Xieng Thong Temple |
As you walk in after paying the entrance fees, the first thing you will see is one of the main temple buildings in the compound on your left.
This is actually a Chariot Chapel which houses the Royal Funeral Chariot, and replicas of caskets and Buddha statues.
The entire building looks solid gold from afar, but when you get close you will start to see intricate carvings painted in gold.
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| Lao Funeral Chariot |
Also on the carriage was the King’s wife and brothers casket. This chariot is on wheels and has a 5 headed Naga (Dragon) in the front.
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| Gold Buddhist figurines are placed around wrapped in orange cloth |
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| Very unique dragon heads on a funeral chariot |
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| Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang |
When I was here, the temple looked a little run down, but I was told that they were going to renovate the place. After all, it was built in the 16th century and only refurbished and remodeled once in the 1960s.
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| A massive golden Buddha statue inside the main temple |
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| Side view of Wat Xieng Thong temple |
Roof eaves that are low slung, gold leaf designs throughout, intricate traditional wood carvings and amazing mosaic work make the temple very different from most other temples I have seen.
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| The back of Wat Xieng Thong temple |
Looking closely at the tree of life, it goes all the way up the main temple back wall to about 30 feet high.
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| Buddhist Tree Of Life made from mosaic |
On looking closely, the skill involved to make this Buddhist Tree Of Life is simply amazing as thousands of mosaics in various colours were used carefully in designing this.
I stood there, imagining how many skilled workers were needed to carefully create this beautiful tree of life.
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| A monk walks pass the back of Wat Xieng Thong Tree Of Life |
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| A Buddhist Tree Of Life in gold paint |
A lot of work has gone into these to make them one of Laos most beautiful temples. Occasionally you will see the local monks from the temple, and some of them may even approach you and ask you where you are from in English.
I was pretty surprised when one of the child monks about 14 years old, approached me and asked me which country did I come from in good English.
I ended up having a short and sweet conversation with the little monk, and he was pretty ecstatic that someone from Malaysia had visited his temple, stating that to date, he has never met a Malaysian.
For a detailed history read, visit the Asian Historical Architecture website for Wat Xieng Thong Temple.
Wat Xien Thong Temple
Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos
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| One of the smaller shrines at the temple |
My Conclusion to Wat Xieng Thong Golden City Temple
For anyone who is visiting Luang Prabang, this temple should not be missed, plus it is located in the main town vicinity. It is easy to get to, and you can spend a quick 30 minutes to an hour inside here.
There are also many other things that you can do in Luang Prabang, and it is highly recommended that you plan at least four to five days to visit this beautiful city in northern Laos.
I hope you liked my review of the Luang Prabang Wat Xieng Thong Temple in Laos, and also hope that you will have the opportunity to visit this amazing historical place.
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