The Photography of Dr. Jeff Harper

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site locate in west-central Laos. I was last here 22 years ago and always wanted to go back.  I finally did . . . and I was very happy I did.

Wat Xieng Thong (c.1559) is the most revered Buddhist temple (wat) in all of Luang Prabang. 

Wat Xieng Thong had many buildings within the grounds.  Many had fine, primitive mosaic depictions of life in long gone times.

The state of preservation, restoration, love, and care of all of the wats in Luang Prabang was exemplary.

Ancient stenciled patterns on many walls.

Lovely work.

A special building was built to house this gold leaf funerary carriage.

The inside of the funerary carriage temple was astounding!  Such a surprise . . . and many nooks and crannies to look into.

A mosaic covered wall with a line of ancient Buddha statuary.

Spiritual simplicity depicted.

There were many structures to explore at this wat.  I came twice with my camera as it was very close to our hotel.

An inviting open temple.

A temple gong.

Shiny outdoor decoration.

This looks inviting . . .

A view to the Buddha altar in the main hall.  Magnificent architecture.

The main altar of Wat Xieng Thong.

A favorite altar.

Rich detail in the main hall decoration.

A view from inside the main hall to a glowing chedi on the temple grounds.

A lovely standing Buddha in a small grotto.

Such a pleasant and peaceful place.

It was my good luck to be at the temple when a soon-to-be-married couple showed up for their bridal photo shoot in traditional Lao costume.

These chedis likely contain the remains of revered monks, abbots, and those who have made big donations to this wat.

I have been to many, many Buddhist temples in many countries, but this one is one of the most beautiful.

Many small structures for individual Buddha altars.

I came back one evening after dinner when the light was changing to a golden hue.

Magic light.

I will be back to Luang Prabang, and when I do, I will revisit Wat Xieng Thong.