Home Search Destinations Attractions
Golden City Temple (Wat Xieng Thong)
Monument

Golden City Temple (Wat Xieng Thong)

Luang Prabang
4.8
(5,000 reviews)
31
Tours Available
50,000 LAK
Adult Entry
2-3 hours
Recommended Duration
November to February
Best Time

Overview

Wat Xieng Thong is a stunning Buddhist temple known for its intricate mosaics and golden stucco decorations. It is one of the most important temples in Luang Prabang and a key cultural landmark.

This temple is a symbol of Lao culture and history, and it has been well-preserved over centuries.

Religious Site Historical Site

Location

Address

Khem Khong, Luang Prabang

Neighborhood: Old Town

Coordinates

19.883300, 102.133300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
50,000 LAK
Children
20,000 LAK

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to February

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
2-3 hours
Full Experience
half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

warm and pleasant

  • • colorful decorations

summer

hot and humid

  • • rainy season beauty

autumn

cool and dry

  • • cooler temperatures

winter

cool and pleasant

  • • festive decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Dress modestly
  • Remove shoes before entering
  • Respect worshippers

What to Bring

essential

Camera Water Sunscreen

recommended

Guidebook Hat

seasonal

Umbrella Light jacket

not allowed

Large bags Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

  • • Hot weather

Medical facilities: nearby clinics available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (Lao Kip), Credit cards (limited)

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Typical Costs

entry 50,000 LAK
parking 20,000 LAK
food 30,000 LAK
souvenirs 50,000 LAK

Dress Code

Modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees), Comfortable walking shoes, Remove shoes at entrance, Revealing clothing

Booking Tips

  • • Not required, but recommended for guided tours
  • • Online tour operators
  • • 24 hours notice
  • • Guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Luang Prabang Guide

Size: 45 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, History

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Luang Prabang International Airport

Distance: 3.5 km

Travel Time: 10 minutes

taxi
50,000 LAK 10 min
public_transport
10,000 LAK 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

walking
0 15 min
tuk-tuk
10,000 LAK 5 min
bicycle
Free (rental available) 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Important religious and cultural site

Historical Significance: Built during the reign of King Setthathirath

Insider Tips

  • Best views from the rear terrace
  • Local markets nearby for souvenirs

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local coffee at nearby cafes
  • • Ask for a local guide

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Sabaidee
thank_you Khop chai
where_is Khoi tiao
how_much Tao dai
beautiful Sook sai
ticket Bai

Guide Languages: Lao, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main sim (ordination hall)

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the golden decorations

Result: Stunning architectural shots

#WatXiengThong #LuangPrabang

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, main courtyards
prohibited areas Inner sanctum, during ceremonies
flash photography not allowed inside
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited
tripod policy allowed in designated areas
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Royal Palace Museum

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Wat Mai Suwannaphuhram

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Temple

Mount Phousi

Distance: 1.2 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Viewpoint

Reviews

4.8

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early for fewer crowds"
  • "Hire a local guide for insights"
  • "Explore the surrounding area"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (7)

Search Tours

Quick Info

Available Tours

31

Rating

4.8 / 5.0

Reviews

5,000

Adult Entry

50,000 LAK

Search Attractions