The junction where the Mekong river meets the Nam Kham river is widely believed to be the site where two sages placed the boundary stone for a new settlement which developed as Luang Prabang. Legend also has it that a betel merchant constructed a palace at this site and declared himself the king of the area.

The site which became the first place for the development of the Luang Prabang is the one where the famous Wat Xieng Thong stands. The merchant, Chanthapanit, who made himself the king is believed to be the first founder of the temple. As per record, however, Wat Xieng Thong was constructed in 1560 by King Setthathirat, a devout Buddhist himself. The temple is also known as the temple of the golden city.

The temple remained under the royal patronage till the time the Communist took charge of Loas in 1975. During its royal days, the temple was the venue for the coronation ceremony of the kings of Laos were held. In 1960s, the temple underwent a complete renovation and reconstruction work. It was remodeled and beautified - the entrance was gilded and inside and outside walls were covered with black, glossy lacquer and ornated with figures and symbols in gold leaf. An impressive flame tree of the tree of life was set in coloured glass mosaic against red background on the rear wall of the temple.

The sim or the ordination hall of the temple represents the classic style of the temple architecture that existed in Luang Prabang. The roofs sweep low to the ground and remind you of the Lan Xang-Lanna style of northern Thailand. Inside, exquisitely ornated wooden columns provide support to the ceiling. Exploits of the legendary king Chanthaphanit, in gold stencilled design, are seen on the inside walls. The exterior walls depict local village life. The walls also tell the story of the magical turtle who was emulated by the local people. Within, the sim, images of Buddha can be seen.

Flanking the sim on one side are small temples and stupas containing images of Buddha.

Close to the eastern gate of the temple compound stands the royal funerary carriage house comprising a funeral carriage.

The temple is open for visits from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.


Luang Prabang
The ancient capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom (Laos), Luang Prabang was included in the list of the World Heritage Site in 1995. However, even before this, Lunag Prabang attracted people to come and view its plethora of historical and cultural sites that are its landmarks.

The city is located at the junction of the Mekong and the Kham river and is surrounded by mountains. Also, right in the centre of the city stands, Mount Phousi, offering some fantastic views of the closeby areas. There are as many as 33 temples to be visited in this small tranquil town apart from other attractions. It is advisable that even of you do not wish to explore all the temples during your trip, do keep in hand three days to atleast get yourself fully acquainted with the place. Other Attractions

• The Royal Palace Museum : The former royal palace, now turned into a museum, houses countless treasures from the royal past of Laos. Worthseeing here is the Royal throne of Lan Xang Kingdom, however, must see here is the Prabang, the Buddha image which gives Luang Pranbang its name. The museum is open for visit from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 to10:30 in the morning and then again from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. It is advisable that you dress up modestly while visiting this museum.
  
  
• Wat Manorom : One of the major Buddhist temples and monasteries in Luang Prabang, Wat Manoram houses the great 6 m tall bronze image of Buddha. The time of the construction of the temple is a matter of debate since a number of people believe that it was founded in the 14th century while others believe that it was founded in the 15th century.
  
  
• Wat Mai : The erstwhile home of the Buddhist leader, Phra Sangkharath, Wat Mai also housed the golden Prabang for quiet som time. Even today, the image commences its new year journey from this temple. The bas relief facade of the temple narrates the story of one of the last incarnations of Buddha, named Phravet. The best time to visit the temple is at 5.30 pm when you can be a part of the evening prayers.
  
  
• Wat That Luang : Supposed to be originally constructed by the Indian missionaries in the 3rd century BC, the temple is known for the golden stupa which preserves the relics of the loved king of Luang Prabang, King Sisavang Vong. There is also a stone stupa in the courtyard that contains some remains of Buddha.
  
  
• Wat Wisunalat : This wat is known primarily huge golden Buddha image. Also, the wat, which was constructed in 1512, had the honour of housing the Pra bang Buddha image from 1513 to 1894. The wat is open everyday from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
  
  
• Mount Phou Si : Right in the centre of the town, Mount Phou Si offers some magnificent views of the surroundings. However, more that this, the hill is known for the ruins of a number of Buddhist temples and monuments. The That Chomsi Stupa which was built in 1804 is at the top of the hill. Walking downwards towards the northeast, you will come across Wat Tham Phousi which houses a large-bellied Buddha, Kaccayana. Proceeding further down, you will come to Wat Phra Bat Nua that preserves a yard long footprint of Buddha.
  
  
• Pak Ou Cave : Located at a distance of 25 km from Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Cave can be reached by boat along the Mekong river. There are, infact an upper and the lower cave. The lower cave is replete with hundreds of Buddha images of different sizes. The upper cave has a dragon shaped vessel which was once made use of by the king to cleanse the image of Buddha. To see the upper cave, you will need to carry along a torch. The caves are open from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
  
• Wat Khili : The only temple in the Xieng Khuang style to have survived the American bombings during the Vietnam War.
  
  
• Wat Sene : The highlight here is the fascinating image of standing Buddha in gold. The term, sene means 100,000 kip in Laos and the name is indicative of the cost incurred to make the temple.
  
  
• Wat Visoun : A tranquil temple housing what the local people call the Watermelon stupa.