Paying Homage: President and wife visits historic Wat Xieng Thong

President U Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla paid homage to the historic Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang on Sunday. During the visit, the President and his wife toured the temple grounds and paid respects at one of Laos' most revered Buddhist monasteries. Wat Xieng Thong, often translated as the "Temple of the Golden City," is regarded as one of the finest examples of traditional Lao religious architecture. Built in 1560 during the reign of King Setthathirath, the temple served for centuries as an important religious center and was closely associated with the Lao royal family. It was also the traditional site where Lao kings were crowned before the monarchy ended in 1975. Located near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the temple is renowned for its sweeping multi-tiered roof, intricate gilded carvings, and richly decorated chapels. One of its most famous artistic features is the "Tree of Life" mosaic on the rear wall of the main sanctuary, created from colorful pieces of glass and depicting scenes of nature and Buddhist symbolism. The temple complex contains several shrines, prayer halls, and historic structures that preserve centuries of Lao religious art and craftsmanship. It remains an active place of worship for Buddhist monks while also welcoming visitors from around the world. Wat Xieng Thong is part of the historic town of Luang Prabang, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of its exceptional cultural, architectural, and religious heritage.