{"id":17349,"date":"2025-05-24T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/destary.com\/?p=17349"},"modified":"2025-05-13T07:13:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T05:13:20","slug":"wat-xieng-thong-historic-temple-in-luang-prabang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/destary.com\/en\/sights\/wat-xieng-thong-historic-temple-in-luang-prabang\/","title":{"rendered":"Wat Xieng Thong: Historic temple in Luang Prabang"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"17349\" class=\"elementor elementor-17349 elementor-17339\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7088ff e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a7088ff\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e09225 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5e09225\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wat Xieng Thong, also known as the &#8216;Monastery of the Golden City&#8217;, is one of the most important religious buildings in Laos and an outstanding example of classical Lao temple architecture. Located in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple attracts visitors with its rich history, ornate design and spiritual significance. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a82334 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7a82334\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41e59f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"41e59f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Location and significance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3317d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c3317d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wat Xieng Thong is located at the tip of the Luang Prabang peninsula, where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. This strategic location underlines the historical and spiritual significance of the temple. Once the coronation site of Lao kings, it is now an active centre for religious ceremonies and cultural events. The complex is open daily from 6am to 6pm and the entrance fee is 20,000 kip per person.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf4c58c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bf4c58c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-778ecad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"778ecad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Historical background<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d72ca9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d72ca9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Built between 1559 and 1560 during the reign of King Setthathirath, Wat Xieng Thong reflects the heyday of the Lan Xang kingdom. The temple was built on the site of the former royal palace after the king moved the capital to Vientiane. Despite numerous historical upheavals, Wat Xieng Thong remained largely intact, especially during the sacking of Luang Prabang in 1887, partly due to the fact that the leader of the attackers, \u0110\u00e8o V\u0103n Tr\u1ecb, was once a monk at this temple.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d32c431 gallery-spacing-custom elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-gallery\" data-id=\"d32c431\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-gallery\">\n\t\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-17349 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"d32c431\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\" Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczMzYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy0yLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImQzMmM0MzEifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-17336\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-2-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-17336'>\n\t\t\t\t Wat Xieng Thong Sim\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"d32c431\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"The interior of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczMzIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy0zLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImQzMmM0MzEifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"The interior of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-17332\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-3-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-17332'>\n\t\t\t\tThe interior of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"d32c431\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Ornaments of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczMzAsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy00LmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImQzMmM0MzEifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ornaments of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-17330\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-4-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-17330'>\n\t\t\t\tOrnaments of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"d32c431\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Roof of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczMjQsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy02LmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImQzMmM0MzEifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Roof of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-17324\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-6-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-17324'>\n\t\t\t\tRoof of Wat Xieng Thong Sim\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e238e5 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9e238e5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9b7879 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b9b7879\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Architectural masterpieces<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc9f558 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fc9f558\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The central shrine, called the Sim, is characterised by its nine-tiered roofs, decorated with gold stucco and intricate wood carvings. A particular highlight is the Tree of Life mosaic on the back wall of the Sim, created by Lao craftsmen in 1960. This artwork symbolises the connection between heaven, earth and the underworld.  <\/p><p>Another remarkable building is the Red Chapel, which houses a rare lying Buddha statue. The statue was exhibited at the Paris World Fair in 1931 and brought back to Luang Prabang in 1964. <\/p><p>The temple complex also includes the Chariot Hall, which houses the 12 metre high royal chariot of King Sisavang Vong. The richly decorated chariot was used for the King&#8217;s funeral in 1959 and is an impressive example of Lao craftsmanship. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88e73ef e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"88e73ef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fe9093 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7fe9093\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Religious and cultural significance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fdb847 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7fdb847\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wat Xieng Thong is not only architecturally impressive, but also a living centre of Buddhist faith in Laos. The temple plays a central role in major religious festivals such as Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April, when traditional purification rituals and processions take place. Another important festival is Boun Ork Phansa, the end of the Buddhist Lent, which is celebrated with candlelight processions and prayers.  <\/p><p>Visitors have the opportunity to participate in traditional ceremonies such as the Baci ritual, where white or red threads are tied around the wrist to symbolise good luck and protection. Such experiences offer a deep insight into the spiritual practices and cultural traditions of Lao society. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a214b9b gallery-spacing-custom elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-gallery\" data-id=\"a214b9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-gallery\">\n\t\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-17349 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"a214b9b\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Chariot Hall\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczMjgsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy01LmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImEyMTRiOWIifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Chariot Hall\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-17328\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-5-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-17328'>\n\t\t\t\tChariot Hall\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"a214b9b\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Royal hearse of King Sisavang Vong\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczMjYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy0xLmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImEyMTRiOWIifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Royal hearse of King Sisavang Vong\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-17326\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-1-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-17326'>\n\t\t\t\tRoyal hearse of King Sisavang Vong\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"a214b9b\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Red Chapel\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTczNDUsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcL3dhdF94aWVuZ190aG9uZy03LmpwZyIsInNsaWRlc2hvdyI6ImEyMTRiOWIifQ%3D%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Red Chapel\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-17345\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/wat_xieng_thong-7-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-17345'>\n\t\t\t\tRed Chapel\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cabb80 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6cabb80\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95e2269 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"95e2269\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wat Xieng Thong is an impressive blend of history, art and spirituality. As one of the most important religious buildings in Laos, the temple offers a fascinating insight not only into Lao architecture and art, but also into the country&#8217;s living traditions and deeply-rooted beliefs. A visit to the temple is an unforgettable experience for anyone wishing to explore the cultural diversity and spirituality of Laos.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wat Xieng Thong, also known as the &#8216;Monastery of the Golden City&#8217;, is one of the most important religious buildings in Laos and an outstanding example of classical Lao temple architecture. Located in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple attracts visitors with its rich history, ornate design and spiritual significance. Location and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17322,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[20,257,259],"class_list":["post-17349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sights","tag-asia","tag-laos-en","tag-luang-prabang-en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Wat Xieng Thong: Historic temple in Luang Prabang - Destary<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Experience Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang. Discover history, architecture and spirituality in the heart of the ancient kingdom of Laos.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/en\/sights\/wat-xieng-thong-historic-temple-in-luang-prabang\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Wat Xieng Thong: Historic temple in Luang Prabang - Destary\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Experience Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang. 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