Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
VIEW OF THE OLD CITY FROM ATOP PHOUSI
;
WAT SENE
;
WEAVING
Wat Souvanakhili
Sakkaline Rd
South of Sakkaline Road,
Wat Souvanakhili
is a rare example of a Xieng Khuang-style
temple. Luang Prabang once boasted at least three
temples
in this low, squat design, which
originated on the windy plains of the province and former kingdom after which the style is
named. Legend has it that the Chinese “Black Flag” rebels who sacked and looted Luang Pra-
bang in 1887 took special care to destroy Xieng Khuang-style temples because their shape
resembled Chinese coffins. It's also said that the Buddha at Wat Souvanakhili broke into a
cold sweat in 1958, a dark omen signalling the coming war. The province of Xieng Khuang
was heavily bombed during the Second Indochina War, leaving no trace of Xieng Khuang-
