Pha That Luang: The Great Golden Stupa

4.5 (5332)

Vientiane's golden heart: a sacred stupa, national symbol, and architectural marvel embodying Lao heritage and Buddhist teachings.

Home
Laos
Phonsavan
Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, Vientiane's most important religious site and a national symbol of Laos, is a gleaming golden stupa believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. Originally a Hindu temple in the 3rd century, it was transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary in the 16th century. The current structure, rebuilt in the 20th century, stands as a testament to Lao heritage and sovereignty.

A brief summary to Pha That Luang Vientiane

That Luang, Xaysettha, Ban Nongbone, 10009, LA

Tuesday 8 am-12 pm
Wednesday 8 am-12 pm
Thursday 8 am-12 pm
Friday 8 am-12 pm
Saturday 8 am-12 pm
Sunday 8 am-12 pm

Local tips

Dress modestly when visiting; cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.
Visit during the Boun That Luang Festival in November for a vibrant cultural experience.
Explore the grounds surrounding the stupa, including the temples and gardens, which are free to access.
Be aware of the opening hours (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday) when planning your visit.

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

Wat That Luang Neua

Wat That Luang Neua: A Spiritual Sanctuary

Revolution Memorial Tower

Revolution Memorial Tower: A Tribute to Lao Patriots

Lao People’s Army History Museum

Lao People’s Army History Museum: A Chronicle of National Defense

Getting There

Tuk-tuk

From central Vientiane, tuk-tuks are readily available. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey; a typical ride to Pha That Luang costs around 30,000 to 50,000 kip. The ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taxi

Taxis can be found throughout Vientiane, or booked via LOCA app. A taxi ride from the city center to Pha That Luang typically costs between $3 to $5 USD and takes about 5 minutes. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
Public Transport

Take bus number 14 from the bus station near Talat Sao (Morning Market). The bus fare is approximately 5,000 LAK. The journey may take around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Confirm with the driver that the bus stops at Pha That Luang.

Discover more about Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, or the Great Golden Stupa, is the most sacred monument in Laos and a powerful symbol of national identity. Located about 5 kilometers from the city center in Vientiane, this magnificent golden structure is a must-see for any visitor.Legend states that the site was initially conceived as a Hindu temple in the 3rd century BC and later became a Khmer temple. In the 16th century, King Setthathirath moved the capital to Vientiane and ordered the construction of Pha That Luang to honor this shift, covering the pagoda in gold leaf. The stupa has undergone numerous reconstructions due to wars and invasions, most notably by the Siamese in the 18th century, which left it in ruins. It was eventually restored in 1930 by the French colonial government.The architecture of Pha That Luang is deeply symbolic. The 45-meter-high stupa is built on three levels, representing the path to enlightenment in Buddhist philosophy. The base level symbolizes the underworld, the second level represents the realm of existence with thirty smaller stupas representing the Buddhist perfections, and the top tier signifies heaven or enlightenment. The entire stupa was covered with approximately 500kg of gold leaf.Today, visitors can explore the cloistered walls that house ancient Lao and Khmer artifacts, Buddhist inscriptions, and sculptures. Surrounding the stupa are temples, gardens, monuments, and a palace where monks reside and study. The annual Boun That Luang Festival, held in November, is a major Buddhist celebration featuring food stalls, performances, and religious ceremonies.