Luang Prabang Temples (Self Guided), Luang Prabang

Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple, located on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Phrabang, Laos. It was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath and was under royal patronage during the Kingdom of Laos. Like the royal palace, the wat was placed near the mekong. In 1880, the Tripitaka Library was added and the drum tower followed in 1961. There are several small halls and stupas that contain Buddha images of the period. There is a reclining Buddha sanctuary, which contains an especially rare reclining Buddha that dates from the construction of the temple. In 1931, the image was taken to Paris and displayed at the Paris Exhibition and was kept in Vientiane until 1964, when it returned to Luang Phrabang. At the near compound's eastern gate stands the royal funerary carriage house, which houses the funeral carriage; it stands 12 meters high and there are various urns for members of the royal family.

Wat Sensoukarahm is a temple near the Mekong River. It was built in 1718. Because of the damages it underwent throughout its history, the temple was renovated a few times - in 1932 and 1957. The facade of Wat Sensoukarahm is one of the most fascinating in the whole Luang Prabang. This temple is built in Thai style, but is different from the other temples due to its bright red colour embroidered with gold ornaments.

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang is a very big temple built in 1729. The temple suffered serious damages because of a fire in 1774. The only object that remained intact was a statue of Buddha. It is called Pra Chao Ong Saensaksid and it still ornates Wat Nong Sikhounmuang. The statue is made of bronze and is surrounded by legends. It has a three-tier roof, which makes it resemble the Bangok temples.

Wat Siphoutthabath Tippharam is a beautiful temple located in the center of Luang Prabang. Its name signifies the temple of Buddha's marvelous footprint. The temple is very beautifully decorated and has numerous ornaments and drawings with Buddhist themes. Wat Siphoutthabath Tippharam, besides the temple itself, has a school for monks attached to it.

Wat Pa Phai is a temple whose names means Monastery of the Bamboo Forest. It is said to be one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang. Some sources document the date of the building as 1645 and others as 1815. Either way, it is an ancient historical monument. The walls of Wat Pa Phai are ornate with murals reflecting sequences of the ordinary Laos people. The style of the murals is Lao-Thai.

Wat Xieng Muan is an antique temple in Luang Prabang. The full name of this temple is at Xieng Muan Vajiramangalaram. It was built in 1853 by Phragna Sisonxay. This temple was restored and is preserved by the UNESCO project. It has a very specific construction, the roof, balustrades and walls being built in a very special style. Wat Xieng Muan also has a nice classroom, where novice monks study the art of painting, carving in wood and other skills.

Wat Choumkhong not a big temple but it is very frequently visited due to its character and pretty decorations. The beauty of this temple is accentuated by the fantastic garden that surrounds it. The winter months are the most splendid, due to the poinsettia trees that bloom at this period of the year.