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Wat Xieng Thong River Entry

There are two important formal entryways to Wat Xieng Thong, in addition to a somewhat non-descript entrance from Sisaleumsak Road on the southwest boundary of the wat. These entries provide wonderful vistas of this most significant monastery of Luang Prabang.

Historically the Mekong River entrance was the most important entry to both the wat and to the city, since it was the town's major contact with other parts of Asia. Those coming overland from the west took ferries from the village of Xieng Maen to this entry. In addition to merchants, diplomats and other visitors, the river entry played an important ceremonial role in the kingdom's history. The king-designate spend three days in prayer and contemplation at Wat Long Khun directly across the river from Xieng Thong before his coronation at the wat. The broad staircase extends down the long embankment close to the water-depending on the season of the year. The river staircase extends to Souvannakhamphong Road and at that point there are two uniquely shaped and colored guardian lions. Yet another, much shortly, stairway leads into the wat.

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