Wat Xieng Thong

LAOS, Luang Prabang

Wat Xieng Thong means Temple of the Golden City. Built by King Setthathirath (reigned 1547–1571) in 1560, it is one of the oldest temples in Laos. The temple was renovated by King Sisavangvong (reigned 1904–1959) in 1928. A further renovation was carried out between 1950 and 1960, which refinished the exterior with mosaic tiles. Until 1975, it was a royal temple where the kings of Laos were crowned.
The main buildings at the temple include the ordination hall, Reclining Buddha Hall, sutra repository, drum tower, several stupas, and royal columbarium. The ordination hall is the main hall and it is built in brick and wood, with a large gable roof consisting of multiple tiers and sections. There is a portico at the front of the hall. The gable walls are richly adorned with symbols, such as Dharma wheels and lotuses, that are gilded or colorfully painted. On the rear wall in between two columns, there is an image of the Tree of Life, covered in red lacquer and inlaid with glass mosaic tiles. The long eaves stretch close to the ground, with delicately carved bracket sets supporting them. The main ridge is embellished with a stupa-shaped ornament at the center. It is the finest example of Buddhist temple architecture in Laos.
The Reclining Buddha Hall is situated to the east of the ordination hall. The red walls are decorated with colored glass mosaics. It houses a bronze reclining Buddha, which is one of the oldest Buddha statues in Laos, cast during the time when the temple was built.