Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
monastery is free to visit if you don't climb beyond to That Chomsi.
Wat Xieng Thong
MAP
(off Th Sakkarin; admission 20,000K; 8am-5pm)
Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is
centred on a 1560
sǐm
(chapel). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's an idiosyn-
cratic 'tree of life' mosaic set on its west exterior wall. Inside, gold stencil work includes
dharma wheels on the ceiling and exploits from the life of legendary King Chanthaphanit
on the walls.
Dotted around the
sǐm
are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called
hǎw
. Haw Tai, shaped like a tall tomb, was originally a 'library' but now houses a stand-
ing Buddha. The Haw Pa Maan ('success' Buddha sanctuary) remains locked except dur-
ing the week following Pi Mai. The Haw Tai Pha Sai-nyaat (reclining Buddha sanctuary)
was dubbed La Chapelle Rouge - Red Chapel - by the French. It contains an especially
rare reclining Buddha that dates from the construction of the temple.
Fronted in especially lavish gilt work, the Hohng Kep Mien is a garage for a ceremonial
carriage, designed to carry the huge golden funeral urns of the Lao royalty. This glittering
vehicle is festooned with seven red-tongued
naga
snakes.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Wat Wisunarat
MAP
(Wat Visoun; Th Wisunarat; admission 20,000K; 8am-5pm)
Though touted as one of Luang Pra-
bang's oldest operating temples it's actually an 1898 reconstruction of the 1513 original,
which was destroyed following Black Flag raids. Peruse the collection of gilded 'Calling
for Rain' Buddhas placed here, alongside some medieval ordination stones, for their pro-
tection having been rescued from various abandoned or ravaged temples.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
TAEC
MAP
MUSEUM
(Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre; 071-253364;
www.teaclaos.org
; admission 20,000K;
9am-6pm Tue-Sun)
Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must for
learning about northern Laos' various hill tribes, especially if planning a trek. There's just
enough to inform without overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch
the video or ask to leaf through the topics of a small library cabinet in the museum's de-
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