Wat Saen (first twelve photos) had a more Northern Thailand feel to it, ie Chang Mai - lots of red and gold - quite an impressive colour really.  Funny thing is, you might actually notice that the signs for the Wats do not necessarily correspond to the name that I give it.  Don't ask me why, I'm just going by the name that the guide told us.  Anyway, built in 1718, this Wat is where one of Lao's most revered monk, Ajann Khamjan, was ordained.

 

Though the central stupa at Wat That Luang contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong, the last king of Lao, it is not actually a very popular Wat.  Built in 1820, it doesn't help that it is now right next to a crummy amusement park that blast out 70s disco music in the middle of the day.  One wonders how much piece and quiet the monks can actually get...

 

Wat Mai, constructed in 1821, is built in a traditional Luang Prahbang style.  The entrance, which is covered with engraved picture stories - something that is normally painted - has a very nice effect.  Inside the Wat is an Emerald Budda, similar to that of the Emerald Budda at the Grand Palace in Thailand.  Small Budda's also cover the walls inside.

 

The Monk Food Offering involved getting up at the crack of dawn (ie 5:30am) to go to the main street to set up a little "stall" by 6am to offer food to the monks.  As Monks are not allowed to buy or request for food (one of the 227 rules the monks live by), the locals will offer food (mostly glutinous rice) to the procession of monks.