Wats galore

The classic Luang Prabang sim style at Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang is renowned for its plethora of wats that inundate the sleepy city and which attract its many visitors to marvel at their magnificence and to interact with their custodians, the monks. At the northern tip of the peninsula formed by the Mekong River and the Nam Khan is Luang Prabang's jewel amongst its pagodas, Wat Xieng Thong. The wat's sim (ordination hall) represents what is considered classic Luang Prabang architecture, with high-peaked and layered roofs sweeping low to the ground. The rear wall of the sim features an impressive tree of life mosaic and the elaborate wooden columns and ceiling are stencilled in intricate gold designs. There's much to admire at this temple. During my temple-day in Luang Prabang I also called in at another half a dozen pagodas including Wat Wisunarat, built in 1513 and housing a collection of 'Calling for Rain' Buddhas and a large stupa, originally erected in 1503. Also on the list were Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, Wat Pa Phai, Wat Manolom and Wat Xieng Mouane, where we encountered the very friendly monk, Olay, who I mentioned in an earlier posting.

Gorgeous elaborate gold-stencilling at Wat Xieng Thong

Mosaics adorn the rear wall of the sim and Red Chapel at Wat Xieng Thong

Scenes from daily life and the story of Siaw Sawat, a famous Lao novel, on the rear wall of the Red Chapel

The 34 metre That Pathum or Lotus Stupa at Wat Wisunarat - also known as watermelon stupa!

Up close and personal with a Buddha statue at Wat Wisunarat

A few of the hundreds of wooden Buddhas inside the sim of Wat Wisunarat

The elaborate frontage of Wat Pa Phai with Chinese guardians in the foreground