WAT XIENG THONG

Wat Xieng Thong is basically a Buddhist temple located at the northern tip of Luang Phrabang, Laos’s peninsula. Wat Xieng Thong is among those most important Lao monasteries and stands out as a significant monument. There are more than twenty structures including a sim, the shrines, the pavilions and the residences, in addition to gardens of flowers, shrubs and huge trees.

There is a ‘tree of life’ mosaic set on the exterior wall at the west. Inside, a gold stencil work showcases the dharma wheels on ceiling and exploits from the life of King Chanthaphanit. Dotted around the Sim are stupas and three chapel halls or Hor Tai. The rest two show striking external mirror-shard mosaics depicting the village life and exploits of Siaw Sawa. The Hor Pa Maan or the success Buddha sanctuary is usually locked except the week following Pi Mai. The Hor Tai Pha Sai-nyaat contains a rare reclining Buddha.