LUANG PRABANG, Laos — Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City), an iconic Buddhist temple complex, stands at the northern tip of the Luang Prabang peninsula. Built around 1560, this historic site was once the venue for royal coronations and remains one of Laos' most significant temples.
Photograph by David Coleman. Wat Xieng Thong, also known as the Temple of the Golden City, is a magnificent testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Laos. Constructed around 1560 under the patronage of King Setthathirath, the temple complex stands on a promontory at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple's architecture exemplifies the classic Luang Prabang style, featuring sweeping multi-tiered roofs that nearly touch the ground, intricate gold stenciling, and vibrant glass mosaics. The main sim (ordination hall) is particularly noteworthy for its exterior's gilded reliefs depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology and Lao folklore. Inside, richly decorated wall murals and a large golden Buddha statue dominate the space. Wat Xieng Thong's historical significance extends beyond its architectural beauty. For centuries, it served as the location for the coronation of Lao kings and played a crucial role in many royal ceremonies. The temple miraculously survived the destruction of many of Luang Prabang's temples in 1887, making it one of the few buildings to retain elements of early Lao architecture. Today, Wat Xieng Thong continues to be an active place of worship and a symbol of Luang Prabang's spiritual and cultural life, drawing both pilgrims and tourists to admire its beauty and historical importance.
Size: 4290px × 2849px
Location: Northern tip of Luang Prabang Peninsula, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province, Laos
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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