Luang Phabang (Lao: ຫລວງພະບາງ/ຫຼວງພະບາງ) is a city in north central Laos, it was listed in 1995 for well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage. Buddhist temples are everywhere in Luang Phabang, Choumeizai will talk about Wat Xieng Thong (ວັດຊຽງທອງ).
Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Lao Buddhist temples and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.
Wat Xieng Thong means ‘Temple of the Golden City’ in Lao. Wat Xieng Thong was built under the rule of King Setthathirath (ເສດຖາທິຣາດ) between 1559 and 1560.
The interior of the main hall is similarly adorned by gold stenciling. Rich red and black walls are decorated completely with gold stencils of mythological scenes and geometric design.
The rear gable of the main hall is decorated with a glass mosaic depicting the tree of life, which represents the rebirth of the temple which has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple under the patronage of the royal family, it functioned as a place for kings to be crowned and a showcasing of traditional architecture.
There is a monastery inside the temple, since it is dinner time, a monk drums to remind other monks for dinner.
