Luang Prabang possesses the most diverse landscape in northern Laos and as well as is the place to preserve the traditional culture best in Southeast Asia. Nature has endowed this friendly and peaceful land with great scenery, surrounded by high mountains and the gentle Mekong River. Consequently, Luang Prabang today becomes one of the most attractive destinations in Laos. Being the place of pilgrimage of numerous tourists traveling Laos, Wat Xieng Thong more and more plays an important role in the spiritual life, a meditation place between the bustling noisy life.
The History of Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda
Wat Xieng Thong was built under the dynasty of King Setthathirat in 1560. It is located at the end of Sakkarin Street, near the junction of Mekong River and Nam Khan River, is considered the most crucial pagoda in Luang Prabang.
The Location of Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda
The main gate of the pagoda lies on Mekong Riverside - the river has attached to the land and the lives of the people here for many generations.
Wat Xieng Thong was built according to the typical style of Laos with curved roofs falling close to the ground, surrounded by small shrines with the same architecture, creating a wonderful image.
Here is also the place to keep the renowned lying Buddha statue which used to “dwell” in the Paris Museum and then was brought to Vientiane and placed in the temple of Luang Prabang in 1964.
The Architecture of Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda
From the entrance of the pagoda, visitors can easily a small temple, inside there is a vehicle. This was used by King Savang Watthana in 1960. It is giant and outstanding with the gilding and decoration with the 5 Naga snake gods.
With the unique mosaic art in the architecture, the talented ancient Champa artists created amazing murals, which tell Buddhism stories; make the pagoda becomes more mysterious.
On the major holidays of the year, Wat Xieng Thong becomes more uproarious and crowded than any time. Especially, each evening, thousands of people go to visit the golden Buddha Statue and Buddha and participate in the impressive Bathing Buddha Statue Ceremony with perfumes.
With its spectacular architecture along with the sacred and mystery, Wat Xieng Thong is increasingly famous and attracts many tourists on their Indochina tour packages. Tourists come here simply for sightseeing or pray for peace, happiness for themselves, their family, and everyone. Only this is also enough to purify our hearts much!
