I visited Wat Xieng Thong on November 14, 2008. According to seasite.niu.edu, Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important temples in Laos. The word “wat” in Lao means temple, in this case, the Temple of the Golden City. Wat Xieng Thong is very old, built around 1560 by King Setthathirat, a patron of Buddhism, who ruled Laos from 1548 to 1571. The temple is located in a beautiful garden on the bank of the Mekong River where the Nam Khan, a smaller river runs into it.
I do have to say that one of the most beautiful Wat in Luang Prabang is Wat Xieng Thong. It’s a classic of Luang Prabang temple architecture with its low-slung roof eaves and gold-leaf ornamentation, it has strong royal connections, and there are still traces of the pre-1975 era, the obvious is the drawing of the 3 headed elephant symbol, crafted on the wall of the temple.
The drawing of the decoration around the main entrance of Wat Xieng Thong shows the skills of the Lao artisan, and the door frame is covered in gold leaf.
The back of Wat Xieng Thong with its famous tree of life mosaic in colored glass on a dark red background. This is one of the best known images in modern Laos. The mosaic was crafted in 1960 by the Lao craftsmen.
More photos,
What I find interesting is the trees that are native to the land.
Reference: seasite.niu.edu
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December 11, 2008 at 1:51 am
Salat
Beautiful pictures! I can’t chose a favorite as they all show different perspectives.
When I think of Laos, I think of Wats & the “three head elephant”. So I’m glad they still kept the emblem near the entrance.
You are very lucky to have the chance to discover your “roots” in Laos, esp after being away for so long. And thanks for sharing your travel log with all of us.
December 12, 2008 at 2:43 am
Ginger
Salat, I think I like the first picture best, it’s so calm and peaceful, and the best part is to be able to share it with everyone. I’m kind of surprised to see the 3 headed elephants symbol because I’ve not seen a lot of them in Laos.
December 12, 2008 at 9:49 am
PaNoy
I have a book “Laos in Pictures” by Matt Doeden that has Wat Xieng Thong on the cover, but I will have to say that your PICTURES out-shined it by a mile and more. I think you may have another gift there with seeing through the lens…among others:))
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of Laos, and sharing your journey with us.
December 13, 2008 at 2:29 am
Ginger
PaNoy, I hope I don’t have to pay you for your compliment.
And thank you, you’re too kind, I’m almost embarrassed that you’ve compared my pictures to a famous professional photographer’s work. I can see why you like my picture better, it’s in the raw image form, whereas he photoshop his to enhance the color to the max (see image here)
November 14, 2009 at 4:04 am
Biltmore Garden in November « Nye Noona
[...] where modernization has not touched but embraced what’s already there, below is a photo of Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most beautiful Buddhist Temple in my [...]