Wat Xieng Thong Temple

Wat Xieng Thong (The Temple of the Golden City) is a Buddhist Temple on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang, is one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.

Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there’s a stunning ‘tree of life’ mosaic set on its western exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr. Hŏr Ɖąi, shaped like a tall tomb, houses a standing Buddha. The Hŏr Ɖąi Pha Sai-nyàat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge – the Red Chapel – by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hóhng Kép Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of Lao royalty.