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Wat Xieng Thong Drum Tower

The drum tower (Hor Kong) is a prominent feature of many Buddhist temples in Laos and throughout Asia. Drum towers serve a variety of purposes, most significant of which is the call of monks, novices and others to prayers (early morning and late afternoon); it is also sounded for ceremonials and for other special occasions.

The squat structure at Xieng Thong is not a tower in the conventional sense; some have called it a chapel. There are only three steps from the ground to the platform that holds the large drum. The structure probably dates from 1961 and doubtless it has been refurbished a number of times since then. Set near the northeast corner of the compound, its swooping roof, carved gilded tympanum, stenciled embellishments and carved brackets, is quite complementary to the other buildings of Xieng Thong. Since there are so many wats in this historic district of the town it is interesting and even sometimes thought-provoking to hear their drums sounding at the same time.

Text by Robert D. Fiala, Concordia University, Nebraska, USA