Wat That Foun (Vientiane, Laos)

The newly-built temple and a pagoda.

There was so much to see in Vientiane, Laos. But due to an unfortunate and major "hiccup" in my travel itinerary, I arrived in the Lao capital almost a day behind my schedule.

But still, I enjoyed the sights this old city has to offer.

I may have failed to visit other temples but Wat That Foun has a very interesting history.

A Lao couple whom I met in this journey said that the temple was a crematorium. And as such it was located at the edge of this ancient city.

However, due to the intense modern development of Vientiane, the temple which originally was located at the edge is now at the center of the Laos capital.

There was indeed a crematorium inside the compound and a newly-built temple.

Several gates are used to enter the temple, but I think this is the main gate. Sadly, there are 

are lot of electric wires which somehow prevent a full view of the entrance.

Above are the dragons guarding the entrance of an old temple.

I was amazed by the meticulous designs on the doors which convey a story about Buddha's life.

This is how the old temple looks from quite a distance. 

Even the roofs are designed to convey the message of Buddha.

This could have been a perfect photo if not for the steel tower. Well, Vientiane is fast developing and it needs the tower for cellular communications. 

An ancient pagoda and a newly built temple.

This is the newly-built temple. 

The front view of the temple.

If you will look up inside the temple you will see this heart-stopping work of art. The same with

the photo below.

 An image of Buddha in the new temple.

The photos above and below show the views from inside the temple.

This I believe is where the ashes of those cremated are interred.

This is the crematorium. But the temple also uses pyre in cremating the faithful.