Buddhist temple, Place of worship, Tourist attraction
Wat Xiengthong
Where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet at the tip of the peninsula, this 16th-century royal temple is known for its low sweeping roofs, gold-stencilled black lacquer walls and glass-mosaic Tree of Life.
The story
King Setthathirath built the monastery in 1560, and it served as the royal temple, hosting coronations and major religious gatherings. Its name recalls Xieng Thong, the city's ancient name, and it escaped destruction during the Black Flags invasion of 1887. Legend says two hermits chose the site, home to two powerful nagas, because of a flame-of-the-forest tree. That tree may be the one shown in the coloured glass mosaic on the back wall of the sim, the main hall, whose tiered roofs sweep almost to the ground over black lacquer walls stencilled in gold leaf. Around it stand smaller buildings, among them the Red Chapel with its bronze reclining Buddha and a hall holding a 12-metre royal funeral carriage. Resident monks still live and worship in the compound.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Tour buses tend to arrive straight after the dawn alms giving, so late morning to early afternoon is usually calmer.
- ✦Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering the shrines; sarongs can be rented at the entrance.
- ✦For the best light on the Tree of Life mosaic, come in late afternoon and claim a spot well before sunset.
