The temple of 100,000 joys is thought to have been given its name from the 100,000 stones, taken from the Mekong River that were used to build it. Covered with gilded stencil work, this red and golden temple is one of the most beautiful in Luang Prabang, but make sure to look up after climbing the steps and check out the pictures. Horrific scenes of violence, witnessed by the Buddha are hung from the ceiling, in sharp contrast to the beauty and peace all around.