By far the best most authentic temple experience for me. It looks old, traditional, cozy and authentic. It's also the only place I've visited that allow you to take photos inside. The whole area is unbelievably beautiful and reeks of history. If I had to pick only one temple to see, it would be this one.

The history of Wat XiengThong Wat Xiengthong was built in the 16th century by King Say Setthathirath from 1559 to 1560, which is situated close to the Mekong River and about 300 meters from the Nam Khan River. Wat Xiengthong is one of the oldest and the most beautiful monasteries in Luang Prabang which is praised as the architectural essence of Luang Prabang for its historical and artistic values. This temple was especially taken care of by King Sisavangvong and Sisavang Watthana following the restoration and preservation by the great monk Kham Mao in the temple. Wat Xiengthong is a symbol of the great historical importance. This magnificent masterpiece is a representative of the typical Laotian architecture, demonstrated by the Sim (called Phutthasima), the Triptaka library, the worship hall, the pagoda and the Buddha image statues. The Sim of Wat Xiengthong was restored in 1928 and during 1952 – 1960. The construction of a new Hor Kong was carried out at the same time as the construction of a funeral chapel for King Sisavangvong which started in 1962. The funeral chapel was designed by Chao Manivong Khattiyarath (the national artist on year for architecture, 2010) and the carving was carried out by Phia Tan (the national artist on year for sculpture, 2010), both of whom were the carvers of Luang Prabang at that time. The last major restoration in 2015 focused on the glass mosaic decoration, the central spike on the roof. The recent restoration replaced some parts of the buildings with new materials but the original structure was largely preserved.

There is an entrance fee of 20,000 kip/person. It is a temple with beautiful architecture. Inside the temple, you can walk around. The highlight point that people go to take photos is the window with the red wall. The time I went was being renovated.

Awesome temple … probably my favorite in Luang Prabang. Definitely need to go first thing in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. Lots of places to look around and take in the history. Recommended for sure!

It is a place to warm your heart and be reverent. The mosaic style is beautiful and blends well with the surrounding landscape. Currently, I got an information that monks do not do Takbat in the early morning. To see the Buddha statue, I paid 10,000kip for 2 flowers. After you come out to see the Buddha, they make a bracelet out of cloth to wish you good luck.

The most beautiful Buddhist temple on the banks of the Mekong river in Luang Prabang, its very quiet and peacful. I came here at the sunset it gave me a very peacful feeling. The novice monks (samanera) were chanting in the evening routine. Sitting outside the main hall, listening to the chanting in Pāli language at the sunset was amazing. Peace comes to my mind.

Very beautiful temple with different buildings to visit. You should were clothes long enough to hide your shoulders and knees. If you forget you can borrow something there though. Really loved how well preserved it all was.

Very pretty and not so crowded. Especially during the sunset the light is fantastic. (You definitely have to wear long trousers or a long skirt and covers your shoulders as well.)

Totally a must see temple in Luang Prabang. You should visit with a local guide, they will tell you a lot of interesting facts and history about the temple. If possible, visit in the afternoon from 3Pm, when sunlight shines on the walls of the temple, creating a spectacular view. And remember to dress appropriately when visit the temple. Visited in January 2020

We enjoyed visiting this historic temple. The whole complex is interesting. We visited for about 1.5 hours and with a break for a photo with a local couple who were getting married. Visit if you can. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Very beautiful temple on large grounds. As the most famous temple in Luang Prabang crowds are to be expected but what is unexpected is large groups of Chinese tour groups shouting and yelling and showing no respect for where they are. They need to be muzzled ASAP for the future enjoyment of everyone else who wants to enjoy the peace and beauty of this historic temple which was recently repaired and restored

A beautiful Buddhist temple in the style of Luang prabang, very nicely decorated. An icon for the Lao people, and a landmark for the country. Highly recommended but expect long queues of tourists. Choose a weekday, early morning as it's quieter.

One of the top attractions in Luang Prabang. The temple is very beautiful, and there are multiple intricately decorated buildings to admire. The designs are very detailed, sophisticated and traditional, making this temple a masterpiece of work. The ceiling and mosaic making up the temple is filled with depictions of Dharmachakras. The mosaic of the tree of life was one of the most impressive art in this attraction, and one should take some time to appreciate the art here. This temple likely contributed to Luang Prabang’s status as an UNESCO Heritage Site, given the sophisticated and ornate architecture of this place. Note that as this is a religious site, be sure to dress appropriately (i.e. no shorts, no singlets, no slippers). Also be respectful especially within the temple, as it is still an altar for prayers. There are some spots that tourists frequently pose with too, so do keep a lookout for them. Entrance fee is 20.000 kip for foreigners, and it is well worth the money to visit this temple.

Very beautiful, it is the only temple in LPB that allows us to take photo. The design is so goooood. marvelous and the ticket price is 20k in november 2023

Super unique and special temple. Stunning artwork, unique experiences for buddhist and other kinds of temples. Very interactive and dynamic spot. If you want to learn more take a guide as there is no explanation or english signs anywhere but it is a significant temple so taking a guide IS recommended. Busy and busier as the day goes on. Can spend a lazy afternoon people watching and taking in the art.

Wat Xieng Thong, one significant religious emblem of the Buddhist architecture, is truly a masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style. Located in the Northern Laos on the bank of the Mekong River, Wat Xieng Thong is considered as the most historically impressive temple among Luang Prabang’s ornate ones. Dating back to the year of 1560, Wat Xieng Thong was constructed in the order of King Setthathirath. This historical witness had undergone several periods of terrible devastation and well-preserved reconstruction after the invasion of plunder during the 19th century. Despite remaining its original structure throughout history, it’s difficult to determine the initial form of the temple. In the past, the temple was used as Royal Temple where the coronation of Lao Kings occurred and also as the gate of city where the official Royal departed and arrived. Nowadays, Wat Xieng Thong is a major gathering place celebrating significant annual festivities in Luang Prabang.

I love this temple, so beautiful.

Visited in June 2023. Beautiful temple. I made a beeline here when I arrived in the city since I wanted to cover the highlights if the city in my less than 48-hour visit.

The gorgeous temple, there is full of good feeling, historical, classic in Luangphabang! that I am looking for viewing. I suggest you all to be there one day. Can’t find the temple like this!

Beautiful and very peaceful place. I was so lucky to be there just before they start chanting so I have a chance to sit down and heal my soul :). The monks are also very nice and friendly to let us take some photos. Actually I saw a lady take many of their photos so I follow to take some. I hope if she uses it for magazines or whatever commercial purposes, she would pay back for the venue or for the monks so they can have some funds to maintain and raise the monks. Love all the details and decorations.

I spent a day in this place drawing different views of the temple and its surrounding area. When I saw the temple glowing in the light, I couldn’t take my eyes off it for a while. The Lan Chang architecture style is fascinating!! Lots of details and amazing landscape. Fortunately the weather on that day was good. Well, it was a bit too hot at noon though. There are lots of delicious restaurants along the street nearby. I ate Beef Pho and its taste was perfect! I highly recommend this place to people who are into temples and old cities. I had lots of good memories there. I’d love to visit this place again no matter what.

Very nice Buddhist temple complex, two big building and couple small. Entrance fee is 20 000,- Kip. There is 4 different entrance from each side. Good place for taking photos. Amazing decoration on the wall, lots story from Buddhist religion.

Very Historical Temple in Luang Prabang. Our second time to visit in the last five years. A must see if you happen to be in this city. Highly recommend

Beautiful temple. You must visit if visiting Luangprabang. My nephew in the pictures love it 🥰

The oldest temple in Luang Prabang, built around 1560. Interesting visit, particularly the carriage built for the previous kings funeral.

This temple was very old. Wat Xiengthong was a landmark for Luang Prabang to visit. I was impressed that I had a chance to worship and support by donation. The architecture was very beautiful.

Extremely big cool temple with a lot to see and explore! So many Extremely cool details. Definitely worth the price!

Interesting temple, very ornate gold paintings and mosaics. 30,000 kip to enter per person and lots of tour groups. I would suggest saving your money and going to one of the many other Wats in Luang Prabang.

2024/3/7 Tickets are 30,000kip, ancient building

I recommend visiting the Temple, beautiful pictures from the Mekong cruise, a bit difficult to enter the Temple, some stairs to climb, it's worth it, both the interior design and the surrounding area

According to the official website, 20k kip. But you have to pay 30k kip on site

Unique and beautiful art. Would be great they have more information boards, or more detailed audio guide for each section of temple. One step further will be introducing more of Buddhism in Laos

Pretty

This place, while it was new, must have been a paradise. Now you can see the signs of neglect everywhere. Breakfast is fair, rooms are clean, service ok. We paid 40€ per day and room (not per person) Beach is still nice, ocean clean Watch out for sandfleas and ants. Use repellent or coco-oil

I think this temple and its tree of life wall mural symbolize Luang Prabang. Great for photos.

Nice place to see. Will not take a much of your time. Two main shrines with few smaller ones. Entrance from Sakkaline road.

Beautiful temple! It doesn’t take too long to visit, but it’s definitely worth going there. We paid 20000 kip each as foreigners.

A beautiful temple complex. One of the highlights on our trip. A reminder to foreigners, you must remove your shoes if you want to enter any of the buildings. Please be respectful. Don't trek your dirt into sacred spaces.

I ABSOLUTELY love this temple ! Temple of the Golden City. Wat Xiengthong (Temple in Laos and Thai called : wat/vat) Still remain one of significant monument, the spirit of the religion. and you definitely (if not) can feel it just by being there. I could not express into words enough. The rich red and black walls are decorated completely with gold stencils. The wooden structure is well-maintained that shown authenticity Satisfaction Rating Scale : 10 out of 10 Entrance Fee 20k kip

The best place to see Lan Chang Art and Architecture.

Nice temple, a must see in Luang Prabang.

Try to learn the history of the wall decorations before coming to visit the chapel. If you know the details of this temple, your trip will be more amazing. Enjoy!

ATTENTION / ACHTUNG: Cheating ladies at the entrance, Betruegerinnen an der Kasse. We wanted to buy two tickets. Total price KIP 40'000.--. First I took a note of KIP 10'000.--. out of my pocket. Before I realized that I was wrong one of the ladies said "not enough". Then I gave her a note of KIP 100'000.--. What did I receive? KIP 5'000.--. After complaining about the situation she suddendly couldn't unterstand english no more. She counted and counted and counted again the money on her table. Why? To win time - nothing else. At the end I thought things I can't write here and we went away. A shame for a friendly country like Laos. Avoid these old witches.

Beautiful Wat in Luang Prabang with gorgeous temples. Lots of intricate glass mosaic work that sparkles in the sun. Definitely check this Wat and the one on top of Mt. Phousi!

Nice temple, interesting architecture, but overall nothing special in my opinion

If you only pay to visit one Wat in Luang Prabang, make it this one. It's beautiful. The complex is calm and peaceful and the buildings and interiors so impressive. 20,000 Kip entrance fee pp. A bit disappointing because there's no guidance / historical to share the story for the temple.... More improvement need to carry out promote this historical place !