Wat Xiengthong
Wat Xiengthong
4.5
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Laos' most enchanting temple was built in 1560.
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- 19Eric57Uccle, Belgium2,560 contributionsA jewel in the heart of Luang PrabangVat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple founded in the mid-16th century by King Setthathirat. This temple is a jewel in the heart of Luang Prabang and a must for any visitor to this city. Don't forget to see the royal funeral chariot and admire the impressive view of the Mekong below.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 13, 2024
- James JSeoul, South Korea4 contributionstheir old lifeStop by if you have time. It's fun to look at the murals. Electronic guides are very awkward. Since it was behind the accommodation, I went to see the alms-giving ceremony. There are people who come in for free through the back door. The price is not that much, so I think it would be better to be conscientious and come in through the front door.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2024
- Shelley MAlbany, New Zealand916 contributionsStunning WatThis wat has to be on your list to see. It will be crowded for good reason, its stunning. The details, mosaics, colours are just wow. Photos don't do it justice. There was a toilet available nearby also and someone had set up a drinks cart outside, it was very hot. I read the history before our visit which helped as not a lot of signs or boards to read here. Well worth a visit.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 15, 2024
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,618 contributionsOne of my favorite temples in Luang PrabangThis is one of my favorite temples in Luang Prabang because of the presence of many attractions in the Compound. Took photos of these attractions to commemorate my visit: Tree of Life, ornate and artistic facades of the buildings, statues, etc. Highly recommended to visit it.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 19, 2024
- dianedinkyDunfermline, United Kingdom1,358 contributionsBeautifully detailed templeI wasn't sure what to expect of Laos having not heard too much about it but adding it on to my trip to Vietnam & Cambodia. Luang Prabang certainly exceeded my expectations. What a stunningly beautiful place it is, as evidenced by just one of the many temples seen here. The Wat Mai buildings in the same complex near the Royal Palace/Museum are even better!Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten May 3, 2024
- Dannuel U54 contributionsGreatWat Xieng Thong is an iconic temple that should be on every visitor's itinerary when exploring Luang Prabang. Renowned for its architectural beauty, the temple stands as a prime example of classic Lao design, with its sweeping, low-tiered roofs and intricate details. The ornate carvings, mosaics, and gilded decorations inside and out reflect the rich cultural and religious history of the region.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 22, 2024
- Andrew YSingapore, Singapore5,126 contributionsNew Ancient TempleWhile this temple is historically and symbolically very important, the temple itself was destroyed by wars and this is a 20th century reconstruction. This temple is on the tourist itinerary so it may get crowded. Laotian Kings are required to be crowned at Wat Xieng Thong but the last king, Sisavang Vatthana, did not do so for some reason. The temple is decorated with mosaics with meaningful stories (e.g. Parables of Siaosawat, a Laotian hero). There is a golden statue of a monk that a China Tour guide said is a mummified monk but I could not verify.Visited November 2024Traveled soloWritten November 26, 2024
- Alicia S226 contributionsThe most significant and well-known temple in Luang Prabang is a must-see for all tourists.It is quiet and beautiful, with photographs of the main temple, smaller outlying structures, and the golden dwelling of the river boat that was used to transport the ancient monarch to his burial. Beautiful paintings and mosaics abound, and the main Wat has a large Buddha! Don't overlook the little entrance charge entering the complex.Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten January 13, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,313 reviews
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jwdlvw_11
Ban Phe, Thailand278 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is a beautiful set of temple buildings set on a very large piece of land. The entrance is from the Main Street and you can exit the back facing the Mekong river. We were first attracted to the temple when we encountered a set of cat statues that seem to be guarding the exit (probably the exit was the entrance in the past). Entrance costs 20,000 kip and is well worth it.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana-Maria B
Cluj-Napoca, Romania1,384 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is a very beautiful complex. There is a lot of art and culture to enjoy and the visit was overall quite and pleasant, in spite of the number of tourists.
The entrance fee is a pittance. Just make sure your knees and shoulders are covered and also remove your shoes before entering any of the buildings.
The entrance fee is a pittance. Just make sure your knees and shoulders are covered and also remove your shoes before entering any of the buildings.
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex H
Port St. Mary, UK2,590 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Entry to this temple is cheap and you can spend a good half an hour or so here walking round and looking at the different buildings. There are some items to see inside some of the rooms and the main temple itself is very pretty. Great for photos too.
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,468 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
If you're going to visit a dozen temples in Luang Prabang, or just one, Xiengthong has to be on your list. The graceful design and elegance of Xiengthong make it the iconic wat in all of northern Laos. Best visited in the early morning and ahead of the crowds.
Written February 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ljpere
Auckland, New Zealand110 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This place is so beautiful you can't miss it. It was not that busy when we visited this afternoon and we were lucky that we got to enjoy this almost deserted. This place is so beautiful and interesting it should be added to your to do list when visiting Luang prabang. Only 20,000 kip entry fee per person . Highly recommend
Written April 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R_TheReader
Rio de Janeiro, RJ501 contributions
Jan 2020
Wat Xieng Thong sets itself apart from the other temples in Luang Prabang by its history and by its architecture. Located at the tip of the peninsula, it is a good idea to include it at the end of a walk through the town.
The first thing you will notice is that the walls are different from any other temple: they are covered with small mosaics of people and animals in different situations. They are actually representations of local, traditional stories, and they have quite an effect. One of the temples had a small window that became a favorite photo op with tourists.
While there is no description of the mosaics on the temple grounds, there is a gem of a book that is sold at nearby Big Brother Mouse, an institution that offers volunteering activities and helps keeping Laos traditions alive. The book is call The Parables of Wat Xieng Thong.
There is also something unique at this Wat: the wall at the back of one temple is covered by a huge mosaic that represents the Tree of Life of buddhism. Quite a sight. The Wat has been recently restored and it seems that shining decorations were favored - too much in my opinion.
I noticed some reviews complaining about the entrance fee. Seriously, after I paid for the travel to Laos, 2 US dollars did not seem like too much additional expenditure.
Of course the Wat is similar to the others in Luang Prabang in some respects, but its size and originality more than justify the visit.
The first thing you will notice is that the walls are different from any other temple: they are covered with small mosaics of people and animals in different situations. They are actually representations of local, traditional stories, and they have quite an effect. One of the temples had a small window that became a favorite photo op with tourists.
While there is no description of the mosaics on the temple grounds, there is a gem of a book that is sold at nearby Big Brother Mouse, an institution that offers volunteering activities and helps keeping Laos traditions alive. The book is call The Parables of Wat Xieng Thong.
There is also something unique at this Wat: the wall at the back of one temple is covered by a huge mosaic that represents the Tree of Life of buddhism. Quite a sight. The Wat has been recently restored and it seems that shining decorations were favored - too much in my opinion.
I noticed some reviews complaining about the entrance fee. Seriously, after I paid for the travel to Laos, 2 US dollars did not seem like too much additional expenditure.
Of course the Wat is similar to the others in Luang Prabang in some respects, but its size and originality more than justify the visit.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jwgbusiness
Thornhill, Canada147 contributions
Dec 2019
The mosaics are incredible and our guide had to explain the story behind the animals.(most notably the turtle). You can buy a book that will explain the different stories. They are like parables with heavenly meanings. In one temple, there is a huge mosaic that shows the Tree of Life according to buddhist teachings. The mosaic has been incredibly done. Very good place to visit.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,543 contributions
Jan 2020
In the ancient city of Xien Thong (literally, "The Golden City"), almost at the junction of rivers Mekong and Nam Kham, King Setthathirath ordered, in 1559, the construction of a temple. It was named "Wat Xien Thong", the "Temple of the Golden City". King Setthathirath probably never imagined this would become the city's most beautiful temple, and even maybe of the whole Laos - the "Land of a Million Elephants". Later on, the city of Xien Thong was renamed to Luang Prabang, meaning "The Place of Buddha" and "Wat Xien Thong" became the royal temple, where kings were crowned and holy relics were kept. The temple was built according to the early Lao architecture features, normally referred to as "Luang Prabang Classic Style", with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Just amazing! Visit the temple, its central shrine (the holy "Sim"), side chapels, pavillions, residences and gardens. And before leaving, near its East Gate, do not dare to miss "The Royal Funerary Chapel", where the "Royal Funerary Carriage" and the "Royal Family Funerary Urns" are housed. Unmissable! Enjoy!
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
milliesmum2016
Christchurch, New Zealand1,767 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a large, imposing temple and is right down by the confluence, so is in an imposing site also. Very lovely, and opulent, this Wat is also a priority visit in LP. The applied decoration is outstanding and the upkeep is carefully, beautifully done so that this temple, which is 500 years old, looks fresh and bright and as lovely as the day the last piece of mosiac was added.
I made a mistake, in Luang Prabang, by not doing at least one guided tour of the Wats and sacred place. I advise you to do it because, although it's lovely wandering around taking in all the beauty and applied arts, I now think some proper explanation might have been good. However, I do have my Lonely Planet, so can at least do some post visit background research whilst in lockdown!
I made a mistake, in Luang Prabang, by not doing at least one guided tour of the Wats and sacred place. I advise you to do it because, although it's lovely wandering around taking in all the beauty and applied arts, I now think some proper explanation might have been good. However, I do have my Lonely Planet, so can at least do some post visit background research whilst in lockdown!
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MumbaiRiders
Mumbai, India2,025 contributions
Jan 2020
Wat Xieng Thong was built between 1559-1560 under the rule of King Setthathirath and was under patronage of the Royal Family.Entrance fee to the Wat is 20,000 Kip.You have to be dressed in formal attire to visit the temple.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a place to sit in the back of the temple to meditate since I have joint issues that prevent me from sitting in a cross legged position?
Written September 4, 2017
This temple is not crowded because there are many more temples here. Sitting is easy, outside of the buildings are possible. Another good place is near the Mekong river across the entrance. Hope this helps.
Written September 7, 2017
I will be in Luang Prabon in early December. I'm a Buddhist from the states (with joint issues) and am looking for a temple where there would be a place to sit in the back (since I can not sit on the floor) and meditate. Is this such a place? thanks for any info you can provide
Written September 3, 2017
Dear SUSAN, in Luangprabang, have many temple, it is depend on your objection, your time, but I consult you to go Longkhoun temple other side of Mekong, so quiet, great for meditation.
Written September 6, 2017
Je hebt toch wel een uur nodig om alles te bekijken.
Written January 1, 2017
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