Vat Mai - Luang Prabang
This beautiful temple is in Luang Prabang and is emblematic of the traditional Luang Prabang architectural style. Its roof is 5 tiered and timber framed, the columns and doors are finely decorated and gilded.
As well, the doors depict hand carved scenes from the legend of Vessantara which is the penultimate incarnation of the Buddha. Once per year the Pra Bang (statue of Buddha) is displayed in Vat Mai. The two outer pillars of the vat are solid redwood and were once used to attach the royal elephants. Vat Mai is the largest and most richly decorated of all the temples in Luang Prabang, it was built in the 18th century and is near the Royal Palace Museum.
The Royal Tombs (Pa Sa Tiao Sivith)
The Royal Tombs are located in Xieng Mene district, on the opposite bank of the Mekong, right across Luang Prabang. From the old town, any pirogue or long boat will happily take you to the other side for a small fee. The tombs are about 1 km away. Nearby is the old traditional village of Xieng Mene and Vat Chom Phet temple, on top of the nearby hill, which offers a spectacular view of the Luang Prabang peninsula.