WAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT LUANG PRABANG? Part I

The old royal temple of Wat Xieng Thong,
Luang Prabang's holiest shrine.

The reason why tourists flock to the UNESCO Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang in Laos is its history. The old royal capital is a quiet, sleepy little town on the banks of the Mekong River, where it is met by the snaking Nam Khan River. Surrounded by hills, water and greenery, it is an idyllic place to retire and relax. Temple-hopping is another hobby of its visitors, and there are many little temples (wats or vats) to visit. Each is beautiful and quaint in its own way, but all are perfectly photogenic. 

Wat Xieng Thong is LP's most photographed temple,
especially the "Tree of Life" mosaic at the back of the sim
and the gilded stencilled designs.

Walking backward from the tip of the LP peninsula,
the first temple is Wat Pak Khan.

Just opposite Wat Xieng Thong is Wat Khili,
with a different gilded stencil designs.

The main thoroughfare of LP is lined with temples,
this one is Wat Sop and Wat Srimongkhoun.

The beautiful Wat Saen and a gilded carriage.

Although Wat Paphai is a little temple, it is noted
for its exquisite peacock design on the doorway.

The back streets are also graced with temple,
including Wat Choum Khong.

Just beside Wat Choum Khong is Wat Xieng Mouan,
which has an elaborate mural on the life of Buddha.