Refreshed after a couple of hours sleep and a shower its time to hit Luang Prabang as we’re only here for 3 nights before heading north to our next destination.
Before it really heats up we are going to climb Phousi Mountain and visit the 20 metre high Wat Chomsi Stupa where we hope to gain a panoramic view of then town. Our ascent is via 328 zigzag steps and we’re rewarded with a perfect 360 view of the whole town.
The stupa is beautiful and as we slowly walk around it, we take in the contrasting views of the town.
We descend via a different path and are rewarded with an array of Buddha worship spots and caves, reclining Buddhas and Nagas.
The Naga, is mythical serpent-like creature that holds a significant place in Buddhism, particularly in Asian Buddhist cultures. This serpent deity is not just a mythological entity but a symbol that holds a profound spiritual significance. The Naga will feature heavily in our temple visits across Laos and Thailand so if you’re interested here’s a brief summary as to the importance of their symbolism in Buddhist worship.
Symbolism of the Naga
Cosmic Guardians: Nagas are often depicted as divine beings residing in the depths of oceans, rivers, or underground realms. They are considered protectors of sacred places and treasures, guarding Buddhist teachings.
Transformation and Rebirth: The Naga’s ability to shed its skin is a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal. This process signifies the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, a fundamental concept in Buddhist philosophy.
Water and Life: Nagas are closely associated with water, which is essential for all life forms. Water symbolizes purity and the cleansing of impurities, reflecting the purification of the mind on the path to enlightenment.
Guardian of Treasures: In many Buddhist stories, Nagas are protectors of hidden treasures and relics.
Its a really interesting walk as we descend through the trees exploring as we go.
There are a large number of Monasteries in Luang Prabang and we visit a number of them as we walk through town. We relish the peace and tranquility that they afford us.
Slightly templed out we break for a snack and a small spot of retail therapy. This results in Brownie ordering a made to measure linen waistcoat that we agree to collect at 5.30pm the next day.
Our next stop is the
Temple of Golden City, Wat Xieng Thong.
It is one of the most important temples in Laos and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional style in the city.
Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century (between 1559 and 1560) by King Setthathirath who ruled the country from 1548 to 1571. He built the Wat in order to commemorate the legendary King Chanthaphanith.
Wat Xieng Thong was under the patronage of the royal family until 1975, when the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) was established. It’s a beautiful temple situated on an embankment above the Mekong.
We retire to our hotel for a pre-dinner nap. We eat at a Laoatian restaurant and walk back through the Night Market resisting the temptation to purchase anything. It’s been a long but very interesting day.
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