Vat Xieng Mene Saiyasettharam
ວັດຊຽງແມນ ໄຊຍະເສດຖາຣາມ
Located across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang town this important monastery was founded by King Setthathirat in about 1560. The chapel next to the main sim contains the Phra Chao Samlert Sirimoungkhoun Buddha image which is twinned with the Phra Man buddha of Vat Xieng Thong.
Michael Smithies describes this as "one of the most interesting temples in the whole of Laos" citing the main doorway as "the best examples of the carving modelled with a mixture of mahogany sap and ash which hardens in the air" as well as the finely decorated ceiling inside. [Smithies, M., The Monuments of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, 1974]
The village of Xieng Mene used to play a significant role in Luang Prabang's traditional boat races, with the first boats on race day being launched from this village carrying the "White Lady" and the "Black Lady" spirits.
Michael Smithies describes this as "one of the most interesting temples in the whole of Laos" citing the main doorway as "the best examples of the carving modelled with a mixture of mahogany sap and ash which hardens in the air" as well as the finely decorated ceiling inside. [Smithies, M., The Monuments of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, 1974]
The village of Xieng Mene used to play a significant role in Luang Prabang's traditional boat races, with the first boats on race day being launched from this village carrying the "White Lady" and the "Black Lady" spirits.
