Wat Xiengthong: The Oldest Temple in Luang Prabang, Laos

Construction on Wat Xieng Thong began in about 1560 CE, making it is oldest of the many temples located in the picturesque town of Luang Prabang. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khang Rivers, this town was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1995. According to UNESCO, the town is an "outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions."