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Pha That Luang: The Great Golden Stupa

Discover Laos' national symbol, a magnificent golden stupa with a rich history and profound cultural significance, located in Vientiane.

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Pha That Luang, Vientiane's iconic golden stupa, is Laos' most significant national monument and a symbol of Buddhist faith and Lao sovereignty. Believed to have been founded in the 3rd century, it enshrines a relic of the Buddha and has evolved through centuries of Khmer and Lao reconstruction, becoming a powerful emblem of national identity.

A brief summary to Pha That Luang Vientiane

  • That Luang, Xaysettha, Ban Nongbone, 10009, LA

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Visit during the annual Boun That Luang festival in November to experience traditional ceremonies and festivities.
  • Explore the grounds surrounding the main stupa, including temples, monuments, and gardens.
  • Take a stroll through the cloister to see the paintings, sculptures, and statues of Buddha.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From central Vientiane, tuk-tuks are a readily available and popular option. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical fare should be around 60,000 kip (~$7 USD).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are a convenient and readily available option in Vientiane. Use a ride-hailing app such as LOCA or flag one down. The ride will take approximately 5 minutes and cost between $3-$5 USD.

  • Bicycle/Motorbike

    For a more adventurous and flexible option, rent a bicycle or motorbike. Numerous rental shops are available in Vientiane. This allows you to explore at your own pace and combine your visit with other nearby attractions. Rental costs vary, but expect to pay around 40,000-80,000 kip (~$4.50-$9 USD) per day for a bicycle and 80,000-150,000 kip (~$9-$17 USD) for a motorbike.

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Discover more about Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, or the Great Golden Stupa, is a magnificent temple and the most important national symbol of Laos, located approximately 4km northeast of Vientiane's city center. This gleaming gold-covered Buddhist stupa is a powerful emblem of Lao identity and sovereignty. Legend suggests that the site's history dates back to the 3rd century when Indian Emperor Ashoka sent missionaries to spread Buddhism. It is believed that the original stupa was built to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, possibly a breastbone. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several transformations. In the 13th century, it was rebuilt as a Khmer temple, but later fell into disrepair. King Setthathirath ordered its reconstruction in 1566 when he moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. He enclosed the original site with a larger stupa, which then took the name That Luang. The temple has suffered damage and undergone numerous restorations due to invasions and wars. The most recent renovation took place in September 2016 and finished in time for the That Luang Festival in November 2017. The architecture of Pha That Luang is rich with Lao cultural references. The main stupa has a pyramid-like shape, standing approximately 45 meters high. The entire structure is covered in gold leaf, with only the pinnacle using real gold. The stupa is built on three levels, representing the ascent from Earth to Sky according to Buddhist doctrine. The first level features hundreds of sema stones, symbolizing the underworld. The second level contains 30 small stupas, each representing one of the 30 Buddhist perfections. The third level serves as the gateway to the Kingdom of Heaven. The temple complex includes other temples, monuments, and a palace where monks reside and study. Visitors can explore the exterior and interior of the stupa, as well as the surrounding temples and gardens. Pha That Luang is not only a sacred site but also an important symbol of Lao cultural identity and heritage.

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