First founded in 1592, Wat Xieng Maen gained a hallowed air in 1867 by housing the Pha Bang for seven nights while on its way back to Luang Prabang after 40 years in Thai hands. The monastery's current, colourful sǐm contains an attractive 'family' of Buddhas and has stencilled columns conspicuously inscribed with the names of US donors who paid for their renovation.
