Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful and ancient temple, a heritage of Lan Xang

#VisitLaos Wat Xieng Thong, a beautiful ancient temple, a heritage of Lan Xang If you ask about one of the most important ancient temples in Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic, one of them must be Wat Xieng Thong, located at the area where the Khan River meets the Mekong River. The highlight of this temple is the Sim, or the oldest Ubosot of the city. It is a Sim that reflects Lan Xang architecture in a beautiful way, so much so that it has been praised as the "Jewel of Lan Xang". In addition, Wat Xieng Thong also has Ho Phra Man, which enshrines Phra Man, one of the three important Buddha images of Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Thong was built during the reign of King Sai Setthathirat, the king who once ruled both Lanna and Lan Xang. This temple was built before the capital was moved to Vientiane. Therefore, this temple is considered a city gate temple and a pier to the north of the city because it is located on the Mekong River. This temple also survived the fire disaster during the Haw War when the Haw invaded and burned down the city. And still able to preserve this cultural heritage until the present day The Sim or Ubosot of Wat Xieng Thong is considered a very famous architecture because it is a Sim that clearly reflects Lan Xang art. It can be seen from the curved roof, sloping down and stacked in three layers. The gable, or what Lao people call the Hong, is decorated with Naga heads and patterns related to Buddhism. Inside the Sim is the enshrined Buddha image or Phra Ong Luang, including the replica of Phra Bang enshrined on the side. After paying respect to the Buddha image, don't miss seeing the back wall of the Ubosot, which is a work of stained glass decorated until it became a large golden tree and animal figures in literature, conveying the legend of the creation of Luang Prabang in the past. It is considered a valuable treasure that is worth preserving and visiting. In addition, there is also the Reclining Buddha Hall, the outer wall is painted in rose pink, decorated with stained glass in beautiful patterns, telling stories of local folk tales with teachings about Dharma to remind people. It is a work of value no less than other places. In the temple, for those who have the opportunity to visit Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong is considered an important place that should be worshipped for good fortune at least once in your life.