Wat Xiengthong: Temple of the Golden City

4.5 (2867)

Discover Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang's most historically significant temple, showcasing exquisite Lao architecture and rich cultural heritage on the Mekong River.

Home
Laos
Northern Laos
Wat Xiengthong

Wat Xiengthong, or Temple of the Golden City, stands as one of the most historically significant and visually stunning temples in Luang Prabang, Laos. Built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath, it embodies the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional Lao art.

A brief summary to Wat Xiengthong

V4XV+277, Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, LA

Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wat Xiengthong.

Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats and shoes when entering temple buildings.
Maintain silence and respect, especially during prayer or meditation times.
Visit during the Festival of Lights to see the Sim decorated with Khom Fai Dao (star-shaped lanterns), which beautifully illuminate the Tree of Life mosaic.
Explore the temple grounds to discover the various structures, including the Sim, the royal funerary carriage house, and the Sanctuary of the Reclining Buddha.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Xieng Thong Noodle

Xieng Thong Noodle: A Taste of Luang Prabang

Chaluenxay Boutique Hotel

Chaluenxay Boutique Hotel: A Tranquil Escape in Luang Prabang

Mekong Riverview Hotel

Mekong Riverview Hotel: A Riverside Retreat in Luang Prabang

Getting There

Walking

Wat Xiengthong is located on the main street at the end of the Luang Prabang peninsula, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in the city center. From the Royal Palace Museum, walk north along Sisavangvong Road for approximately 1.5 km. The temple will be on your left, near the Mekong River. Allow about 20-30 minutes for a leisurely walk, enjoying the sights of Luang Prabang along the way. No costs are involved.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang and are a convenient way to reach Wat Xiengthong. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Wat Xiengthong costs between 15,000 to 20,000 LAK, depending on your starting location and negotiation skills. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Discover more about Wat Xiengthong

Wat Xiengthong, aptly named the "Temple of the Golden City," is a crown jewel of Luang Prabang, Laos, revered as one of the country's most important and beautiful temples. Constructed between 1559 and 1560 under the reign of King Setthathirath, it stands at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, a site believed to hold spiritual significance. For centuries, Wat Xiengthong served as a royal temple, playing a vital role in coronations, festivals, and religious ceremonies. Even after the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, the temple has remained a symbol of Lao culture, history, and artistic achievement.The temple's architecture exemplifies classic Luang Prabang style, characterized by its gracefully sweeping, multi-tiered roofs adorned with golden stencils. The Sim, or main shrine hall, features nine cascading roofs and intricate decorations depicting mythological scenes and geometric designs. The rear gable is decorated with a stunning glass mosaic of the Tree of Life. Inside, Dharmachakras (dharma wheels) symbolize Buddhist law and reincarnation.Other notable structures within the temple complex include the Sanctuary of the Reclining Buddha, a small chapel housing a large Buddhist statue crafted in 1569. The royal funerary carriage house displays a 12-meter-high carriage and royal family urns. The temple also includes a Triptaka library (added in 1880) and a drum tower (added in 1961).Wat Xiengthong has undergone several restorations, with French involvement in the 20th century. These efforts have preserved the temple's original structure while enhancing its beauty. Today, Wat Xiengthong welcomes visitors to admire its architectural grandeur and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of this sacred site.