All good things come in threes.

Travel time: November / December 2011  |  by Konstanze G.

Luang Prabang: Wats (Buddhist monasteries)

Most Lao are Theravada Buddhists. Many wats are true expressions of Lao art found in every day living wat live. Monks will meet to pray, collect their alms, drum or just sit around. Buddha statues, gold leaved smal statues or larger ones, golden doors etc. There is a lot to see in a wat and every wat is special. Even more special made by their inhabitants - orange clad monks. Orange laundry will dry in the sun.

Wat Xien Thong - one of the finest temple in Luang Prabang

Wat Xien Thong - one of the finest temple in Luang Prabang

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 river.

Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional style of a fascinating city. There are over twenty structures on the grounds including shrines, pavilions and residences, in addition to its gardens of various flowers, ornamental shrubs and trees. Many of the structures are notable, in addition to the magnificent sim, several deserve special attention.

Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex

Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex

The Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, Laos was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. The site for the palace was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly below the palace and be received there. After the death of King Sisavang Vong, the crown Prince Savang Vatthana and his family were the last to occupy the grounds. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown by the communists and the Royal Family were taken to re-education camps. The palace was then converted into a national museum.

© Konstanze G., 2011
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The trip
 
Description:
All good things come in threes.
Details:
Start of journey: Nov 18, 2011
Duration: 3 weeks
End of journey: Dec 11, 2011
Travelled countries: Laos
Thailand
Malaysia
The Author
 
Konstanze G. is an active author on break-fresh-ground. since 15 years.
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