Wat Xieng Thong is the jewel of Luang Prabang's temple architecture, built in 1560 by King Setthathirath at the northern tip of the old town peninsula where the Nam Khan meets the Mekong. The sweeping tiered rooflines dip nearly to the ground — the most distinctive feature of Luang Prabang temple style — and the rear wall of the main sim is covered in a stunning glass mosaic depicting the tree of life.
The complex includes the main ordination hall, several smaller chapels, and the royal funeral carriage house, which contains a gilded wooden hearse used for the royal funerals of the 20th century. The mosaics, gilded columns, and painted wooden screens throughout the complex are among the finest examples of traditional Lao religious art anywhere. Allow at least an hour to explore the whole compound.