Pha That Luang Vientiane, Mekong River Valley Travel Guide

4.5 (5526)

Laos' most sacred Buddhist site, Pha That Luang is a gleaming golden stupa and national symbol, believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha.

Home
Travel Guides
Laos
Mekong River Valley
Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, or the Great Golden Stupa, is the most important Buddhist monument in Laos and a national symbol. Believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, possibly a breastbone, the gleaming gold structure is a major pilgrimage site and a stunning example of Lao architecture.

A brief summary to Pha That Luang Vientiane

That Luang, Xaysettha, Ban Nongbone, 10009, LA

Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pha That Luang Vientiane.

Dress respectfully when visiting; cover shoulders and knees.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Explore the surrounding complex, including temples and monuments.
Attend the Boun That Luang Festival in October/November for a vibrant cultural experience.
Entrance fee to the main stupa is 5,000 kip.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Khon Phapheng Falls

Phousi Hill

Patuxay - Victory Monument

Khopfa Mekong Cruise

Explore Pha That Luang Vientiane on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pha That Luang Vientiane, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From That Luang Road, the main entrance to Pha That Luang is clearly visible. Follow the road directly to the gated entrance. The walk is straightforward and takes approximately 10-15 minutes from the main road. There are no costs associated with walking to the site.
Public Transport

From the Central Bus Station (Talat Sao), take bus Route 18 towards Buddha Park. The bus will drop you off on That Luang Road, from where you can walk to the temple entrance. The bus fare is approximately 8,000-18,000 LAK. The walk from That Luang Road to the temple entrance is about 10-15 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane. A taxi ride from the city center to Pha That Luang typically costs between $7-9.5 USD (approximately 150,000 - 200,000 LAK), and the journey takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey or use a ride-hailing app like Loca.

Discover more about Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, officially named Pha Chedi Lokajulamani (World Precious Sacred Stupa), is the most significant Buddhist monument in Laos, located about 4km northeast of Vientiane's city center. The Great Stupa is considered a symbol of Lao national identity and Buddhism.Legend states that in the 3rd century BC, missionaries sent by the Indian Emperor Ashoka erected a stupa here to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. In the 12th century, the Khmer built a temple on the site, but it later fell into disrepair. In 1566, King Setthathirath moved the capital to Vientiane and ordered the construction of the current stupa, covering it in gold leaf. The stupa was heavily damaged and abandoned after the Siamese invasion in 1827 but was rebuilt by the French in 1930 to its original design.The architecture of Pha That Luang includes many references to Lao culture and identity. The 45-meter-high stupa has a pyramid-like shape and is surrounded by a high-walled cloister. The base of the stupa is a square lotus flower blooming with golden petals. The complex includes temples, monuments, and a palace where monks reside and study. Visitors can explore the cloister to admire Buddha's paintings, sculptures, and statues.The stupa is open daily, and the best time to visit is during the dry season (November to February). The annual Boun That Luang Festival in October or November is a major event with parades, performances, and ceremonies.