Wat Inpeng, Vientiane

The major attraction of this temple is a magnificently carved wooden and mosaic facade. The rest of the exterior is beautiful as well, colorfully decorated with elaborately colonnaded windows, paintings over the entrance and gilded mythological nagas swirling up at each roof corner. Stone studded snakes guard the stairs. By contrast, the interior is simple, floored with cool stone tiles. A quaint garden offers a shady sitting area. Animal statues are dotted beside topiary trees, benches and unused fountains.