Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang

Translating as “Temple of the Golden City,” the 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong sits on the end of the peninsula of Luang Prabang’s historic center, wedged between the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers.

It is considered one of the most important of Lao monasteries, and the temple remains a significant monument to Lao religion, royalty, and traditional art.

With its prime location and historical and religious significance, it has been immaculately preserved. Prior to the formation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, the Wat functioned as a place for kings to be crowned, a place of worship for monks and the laity, a shrine to Buddhist relics, a celebration space of religious rites and festivals, a library for ancient scripts, and a showcasing of traditional architecture.

Wat Xieng Thong was built under the rule of King Setthathirath between 1559 and 1560. Setthathirath oversaw the Lan Xang kingdom, which is now Laos.¹ During his rule, Setthathirath moved the capital from Xieng Thong to Vientiane, claiming dislike for the lack of flat land in Xieng Thong. Nevertheless, Luang Prabang remained a royal capital until 1975 when the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) was established.

Architectural Features of Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong represents typical Laos art and craft. The Sim is the central shrine hall of a Laotian temple. Wat Xieng Thong’s Sim is composed of nine cascading roofs and is decorated by gold stenciling. The roofs are a central element of the structure, sweeping downward in an elaborate array. Along the center of the roof is the Dok So Fa, small pagodas covered in gold that hook upwards to the sky. The number of pagodas and overall detail of this floral sculpture signifies the relative importance of a Laotian temple, not unlike how the number of minarets on a mosque help signify its significance.

On one side of the Sim, there are small halls and stupas that contain Buddha images of the period. There is a reclining Buddha sanctuary that contains an especially rare reclining Buddha that dates back to the construction of the temple. In 1931, the image was taken to France and displayed at the Paris Exhibition. It was kept in Vientiane until 1964 when it was returned to Luang Prabang.

In the near compound’s eastern gate stands the royal funerary carriage house, where it houses the funeral carriage.

Photos of Wat Xieng Thong

What to Know Before You Go to Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is easy to visit and easy to find. It’s not far from the Royal Palace, and it’s relatively hard to get lost in the compact historic district of Luang Prabang.

As usual, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes before entering any buildings.

The U.S. State Department provided some funding for its preservation,² and it has become a stopover for visits by visiting dignitaries such as President Barack Obama (2016) and Dr. Jill Biden (2015).³

Luang Prabang, Laos

Dive Deeper into Laos In These Books

If you’re looking to explore Laos more deeply on the written page, here are some books worth a look.

Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos, by Brett Dakin

This memoir recounts the experiences of the author as he works for the Lao government in the early 2000s, providing an insightful look at the country’s culture, people, and the challenges faced by a developing nation.

Ant Egg Soup: The Adventures of a Food Tourist in Laos, by Natacha Du Pont De Bie

A culinary travelogue that explores the rich and diverse cuisine of Laos, following the author as she samples various dishes and learns about the culture and traditions surrounding Laotian food.

Bamboo Palace: Discovering the Lost Dynasty of Laos, by Christopher Kremmer

This historical travelogue follows the author’s journey through Laos as he uncovers the history of the lost royal dynasty and the impact of the Vietnam War on the country.

Laos: A Journey Beyond the Mekong, by Ben Davies

This beautifully illustrated travelogue explores the diverse landscapes, culture, and history of Laos, providing a comprehensive and engaging look at the country.

A Short Ride in the Jungle: The Ho Chi Minh Trail by Motorcycle, by Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent

In this adventurous travelogue, the author embarks on a daring motorcycle journey along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which passes through Laos, providing insights into the country’s history and the challenges faced by modern-day Laos.

The Ravens: The True Story of a Secret War in Laos, Vietnam, by Christopher Robbins

This memoir recounts the experiences of American pilots who secretly participated in the covert war in Laos during the Vietnam War, offering a unique perspective on the conflict and its effects on the people of Laos.

Mekong: A Journey on the Mother of Waters, by Milton Osborne

In this travelogue, the author journeys along the Mekong River, which runs through Laos, exploring the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region.

1. Lan Xang occupied the area of modern-day Laos and lasted from 1353 to 1707. [↩]
2. “The U.S. Embassy Continues to Help Preserve Cultural Heritage in the Lao PDR.” Targeted News Service, Dec 16, 2014; “Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Delivers Remarks to Embassy Staff and Their Families,” Political Transcript Wire, 11 Jul 2012. [↩]
3. Mark Landler, “Obama Takes a Detour to Reconnect with Southeast Asia,” New York Times, 7 September 2016; “Wife of the Vice President of the United States Visits Luang Prabang.” Targeted News Service, 24 July 2015. [↩]

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