Wat Xiengthong in Ban Houakhoua

ATTENTION / ACHTUNG: Cheating ladies at the entrance, Betruegerinnen an der Kasse. We wanted to buy two tickets. Total price KIP 40000.--. First I took a note of KIP 10000.--. out of my pocket. Before I realized that I was wrong one of the ladies said "not enough". Then I gave her a note of KIP 100000.--. What did I receive? KIP 5000.--. After complaining about the situation she suddendly couldnt unterstand english no more. She counted and counted and counted again the money on her table. Why? To win time - nothing else. At the end I thought things I cant write here and we went away. A shame for a friendly country like Laos. Avoid these old witches.

this is the number one nice place you must go there… nice place see video in WhereTopGo channel

Beautiful Wat in Luang Prabang with gorgeous temples. Lots of intricate glass mosaic work that sparkles in the sun. Definitely check this Wat and the one on top of Mt. Phousi!

Wat Xieng Thong, one significant religious emblem of the Buddhist architecture, is truly a masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style. Located in the Northern Laos on the bank of the Mekong River, Wat Xieng Thong is considered as the most historically impressive temple among Luang Prabang’s ornate ones.Dating back to the year of 1560, Wat Xieng Thong was constructed in the order of King Setthathirath. This historical witness had undergone several periods of terrible devastation and well-preserved reconstruction after the invasion of plunder during the 19th century. Despite remaining its original structure throughout history, it’s difficult to determine the initial form of the temple. In the past, the temple was used as Royal Temple where the coronation of Lao Kings occurred and also as the gate of city where the official Royal departed and arrived. Nowadays, Wat Xieng Thong is a major gathering place celebrating significant annual festivities in Luang Prabang.

It’s a beautiful temple

The gorgeous temple, there is full of good feeling, historical, classic in Luangphabang! that I am looking for viewing. I suggest you all to be there one day. Can’t find the temple like this!

I love this temple, so beautiful.

Nice temple, interesting architecture, but overall nothing special in my opinion

It is a place to warm your heart and be reverent. The mosaic style is beautiful and blends well with the surrounding landscape. Currently, I got an information that monks do not do Takbat in the early morning. To see the Buddha statue, I paid 10,000kip for 2 flowers. After you come out to see the Buddha, they make a bracelet out of cloth to wish you good luck.

Beautiful temple. You must visit if visiting Luangprabang. My nephew in the pictures love it 🥰

With its sweeping roofs, richly decorated interior and exterior, its only apt to accord Wat Xiengthong the most magnificent building in Luang Prabang. The Chariot Hall, near the main entrance is the first building in sight. Visitors will find the Tree of Life, a very impressive, glass mosaic mural, at the rear of this temple. If you left the temple complex via another exit facing the mingty Mekong, take a leisure river cruise to while away the rest of the day.

The history of Wat XiengThongWat Xiengthong was built in the 16th century by King Say Setthathirath from 1559 to 1560, which is situated close to the Mekong River and about 300 meters from the Nam Khan River.Wat Xiengthong is one of the oldest and the most beautiful monasteries in Luang Prabang which is praised as the architectural essence of Luang Prabang for its historical and artistic values. This temple was especially taken care of by King Sisavangvong and Sisavang Watthana following the restoration and preservation by the great monk Kham Mao in the temple.Wat Xiengthong is a symbol of the great historical importance. This magnificent masterpiece is a representative of the typical Laotian architecture, demonstrated by the Sim (called Phutthasima), the Triptaka library, the worship hall, the pagoda and the Buddha image statues.The Sim of Wat Xiengthong was restored in 1928 and during 1952 – 1960. The construction of a new Hor Kong was carried out at the same time as the construction of a funeral chapel for King Sisavangvong which started in 1962. The funeral chapel was designed by Chao Manivong Khattiyarath (the national artist on year for architecture, 2010and the carving was carried out by Phia Tan (the national artist on year for sculpture, 2010), both of whom were the carvers of Luang Prabang at that time.The last major restoration in 2015 focused on the glass mosaic decoration, the central spike on the roof. The recent restoration replaced some parts of the buildings with new materials but the original structure was largely preserved.

Totally a must see temple in Luang Prabang.You should visit with a local guide, they will tell you a lot of interesting facts and history about the temple.If possible, visit in the afternoon from 3Pm, when sunlight shines on the walls of the temple, creating a spectacular view. And remember to dress appropriately when visit the temple.Visited in January 2020

Don’t missed this place Luang Prabang highlight and a world heritage site , Beautiful architecture fantastic art and craft , very interesting about old Capital of Laos PDR .

Best of LaneXan s history heritage. Perfect maintained complex, active and radiating buddhism.

Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important temples of Laos. It is situated at the end of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River flows into the Mekong River. It was formerly known as the Temple of the Golden City and was considered a gateway to the town. It was built around 1560 by KingSetthathirat, who ruled from 1548 to 1571. He built it in memory of the legendary King Chanthaphanith, whose stories are depicted inside the main sim. During the 1960s Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodeled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today. Set in a peaceful compound among ancient banyan trees, palms, frangipani and blazing scarlet and purple bougainvillea, this classical style temple with all its shrines and chapels radiates an aura of serenity. It is especially atmospheric in the late afternoon as the sun drops behind the temple.

The Wat Xieng Thong, "monastery of the golden city", is the religious emblem of Luang Prabang and one of the highest symbols of Buddhism on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Phrabang, Laos. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.

Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Phrabang, Laos. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.Cr: Wikipedia

An OK South East Asia Wat but somewhat overrated. My wife and I visited in January 2020. It took us about 20 minutes to see the whole site. Entrance fee was a bit steep for what the Wat is. Worth a visit if you are in Lugang Prabang but don’t go too much out of your way to see it as it’s not overly impressive.

Beautiful outside structure, peaceful and relaxing to walk around we went in the afternoon not so many people there are couple of buildings you can enter, ticket was cheap and its connected to a market from the back gate. Recommend while in the city

The temple is just simply put a piece of art. Both interior and the exterior are breathtaking and do need to be seen.It is one of the most unique temples across Luang Prabang and should be visited.The temple gets busy sometimes and it is better to get there around lunchtime when it’s quiet but mind, it may get quite hot in the sun.

Magnificent ancient budist temples complex. There are 13 temples beautifully decorated with rich golden Budas un different positions.

Another highlighted spot not to be missed while you are in Luang Phrabang. A must to visit just before the sunset to see all the sparkling traditional arts at the walls.

Very cool. Visited at night its even more mysterious. Different approach to a Buddhist temple with mosaic which is very interesting

Wandered around this temple whilst exploring the surrounding area of Luang Prabang. The temple was historical and is a nice place to visit, I got the best view if you go to one of the bars called Utopia.Usual rules apply with a temple / religious monument, obviously treat the area with respect and you might be asked to cover your legs if your wearing shorts or skirts.Worth a look!

We enjoyed visiting this historic temple. The whole complex is interesting. We visited for about 1.5 hours and with a break for a photo with a local couple who were getting married. Visit if you can. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Beautiful wat with a lot of old artifact and budha statues. I was struck by its beauty. The old wat is well-preserved and kept as it is hundred of years ago.

Coming in to Wat Xieng Thong, one is amazed by the mosaic glass on the temples. The mosaic glass is intricately placed to create patterns and images. The images on the walls tell stories. I had the privilege to watch as a labourer was placing the pieces on the walls one by one. The entrance fee costs 20000kip. I was wearing knee length shorts and was not told to put on a sarong, which you can rent from them for 5000kip. When you enter the main temple, you will need to present your ticket to be verified. What struck me most about this compound is the expanse of it, and the relic room. The huge palaquin with the Naga heads was quite interesting. You can spend about 30 minutes here to appreciate one of the oldest temples here. Do note that there are three entrances here, and you can access it from the river side as well.

Definitely worth a visit. Not sure if I would pay 20,000 kip, but the buildings are beautiful and historical.

Very beautiful temple complex , detailed paintings and statues . It takes sometime to cover all the temples . Please carry a bottle of water and a cap .

If you only pay to visit one Wat in Luang Prabang, make it this one. Its beautiful. The complex is calm and peaceful and the buildings and interiors so impressive. 20,000 Kip entrance fee pp.A bit disappointing because theres no guidance / historical to share the story for the temple....More improvement need to carry out promote this historical place !

The gorgeous temple that you should to come when you come to Luang phabang.Mosaic and painting are unique and beautiful.Admission fee 20,000 kip

One of the biggest and most famous temple in Luang Prabang. Entrance fees are needed to enter and it totally worth it.

Just an authentic place, preserved, lao style, chose your timing as there can be lots of tourists, 20000 k entry ticket, for those who like photo, plenty of details, in mural paintings or mosaics... Some forget its a spiritual place... Plan for appropriate clothing!

Luang Prabang is renowned for Buddhist temples of outstanding beauty with Wat Xieng Thong an outstanding example. A symbol of great historic importance, this magnificent masterpiece is characteristic of the Luang Prabang style and features an elaborate tree of life mosaic, intricately carved walls, rare Buddhist deities and a 12-metre high funeral carriage. Also known as the ‘Golden Tree Monastery’, Wat Xieng Thong acts as a gateway to Luang Prabang as it is strategically situated close to where the Mekong joins the Nam Khan River. This site is famous as the location for the coronation of Lao kings and as an important gathering place for significant annual festivities. The original temple was created in 1560 under the royal instruction of King Setthathirath and narrowly missed invasion on several occasions, nevertheless time took hold and much-needed remodelling took place during the 1960s. The temple still remains in its original form with repairs undertaken to the roof, and gold leaf gilding and gold lacquering restoration added to the walls and entrance.

Beautiful temples (2with various interesting shrines. As every temples in Luang Prabang its really golden. They unfortunately charge an entrance fee of 20k kip/pers. In the second temple, which is more a museum, you will find many old Buddah statues and a "serpentshrine ship". Outside the northern exit you will also find a "dock" where the sunset over the Mekong river is simply gorgeous.

very beautiful and inspiring Temple. please respect the culture and religion of the places you visit. be kind to each other. if you want to feel like at home: STAY HOME!

Here you will definitely feel at peace, is a calm and easy place to reflect and admire the Lao Buddhist culture, respect the rules, dress properly and browse around, remember to take your shoes and hats off when entering a temple, do not disturb the monks and just feel the place.

Very beautiful temple on large grounds. As the most famous temple in Luang Prabang crowds are to be expected but what is unexpected is large groups of Chinese tour groups shouting and yelling and showing no respect for where they are. They need to be muzzled ASAP for the future enjoyment of everyone else who wants to enjoy the peace and beauty of this historic temple which was recently repaired and restored

A very old temple. 20k kip for entry. Not a big temple. Facing Mekong river. One of the attraction points to viait in Luang Prabang.

20,000 Kip entrance fee. Beautiful with rich history - many historical relics to view. Very calming place to be.

The golden temple full of culture and artistic details. You have to buy the ticket for 20k kip for admission fee. It’s quite nice to visit.

Beautiful Temple built in the 16th century. Wall paintings outside the walls of the temple are quite unique.

Very nice Buddhist temple complex, two big building and couple small. Entrance fee is 20 000,- Kip. There is 4 different entrance from each side. Good place for taking photos. Amazing decoration on the wall, lots story from Buddhist religion.

This was my last stop during my walking tour of the Buddhist temples along Sakkaline Road. I thought I saved the best for last but ended up quite underwhelmed. I was hoping it will be grand and majestic, given its heavy promotion as the most significant temple in the city. Yes, it is beautiful, ornate, and historic, but so are the other temples nearby (looking at you, Wat Sensoukaram). And some of those temples don’t charge an admission fee.The place is quite popular for wedding pictorials. There were two couples during my visit. The best time to go for photos is in the early to mid-morning, when the sun faces the main temple directly.

Need to cover your shoulders n knee, make sure bring some scarf it super useful, since it is really to warm there. But the temple is really nice. Do go!!

Beautiful temple especially in the morning when you can admire it without crowds around. So many details and ornaments on the walls. Absolutely worth a visit (the entrance fee is less than £2). Bring something to cover arms and legs.

The most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang, come visit here after 6 pm or before 7 am to avoid paying the entrance fee 20k (but the main halls are shut so you can only take photo from the outside)Better to visit both during the dawn and the dusk to see the beauty on the different sides of the temple.

The most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. If you have not enough time to look around all those temples is Luang Prabang, you should visit here.

One of the must-see wats in town. The style is different from wats in Thailand and Cambodia. The renovation brought back the brilliance. I very much like the idea that the renovation efforts trained a new generation of Lao artisans in traditional construction and decorative techniques. I believe I will see an even more marvelous presentation during my future visit.