Pha That Luang: The Great Golden Stupa

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Discover Laos' most sacred monument, a gleaming golden stupa with a rich history and cultural significance, in the heart of Vientiane.

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Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, or the Great Golden Stupa, is Vientiane's most important religious monument and a symbol of Lao national identity. Believed to enshrine a breastbone of the Buddha, this gleaming golden structure is a must-see for any visitor to Laos.

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 modestly when visiting Pha That Luang, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds, and to enjoy softer lighting for photography.
Take time to explore the surrounding temples and monuments, including Wat That Luang Tai and Wat That Luang Neua, to appreciate the site's full historical context.
If visiting during the Boun That Luang festival (usually in October or November), book accommodations and transportation well in advance due to the large crowds.

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Getting There

Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available in Vientiane and a popular way to reach Pha That Luang. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical ride from the city center costs between 30,000 to 60,000 LAK, depending on your bargaining skills and the distance. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taxi

Taxis are a convenient option for reaching Pha That Luang. You can hail a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like LOCA. A taxi ride from the city center typically costs between $3 to $7 (approximately 48,000 to 112,000 LAK). The journey takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public Transport

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

Discover more about Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pha That Luang, officially named Pha Chedi Lokajulamani, stands as the most significant Buddhist monument in Laos and a powerful symbol of national pride. Located in Vientiane, the capital city, this magnificent golden stupa is believed to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha.Historical accounts suggest the site's religious importance dates back to the 3rd century BC when monks from India arrived with relics of the Buddha. Legend states that the stupa was built to house a breastbone of Buddha. In the 12th century, the Khmer built a temple on the site, and it wasn't until the 16th century, under King Setthathirath, that Pha That Luang took its current form. The King moved the capital to Vientiane and ordered the construction of the stupa to honor the shift.Over the centuries, Pha That Luang has endured numerous wars and invasions, resulting in damage and subsequent restorations. The Siamese-Laotian wars in the 19th century caused significant damage, leading to a period of neglect. In the 20th century, the French colonial government and the Lao people collaborated to restore Pha That Luang to its former glory. The most recent renovation took place in September 2016 and finished in time for That Luang Festival in November 2017.The architecture of Pha That Luang reflects Buddhist philosophy, with three levels symbolizing the path to enlightenment from Earth to Sky. The main stupa is approximately 69 meters long and 45 meters high and is decorated with gold leaf. Surrounding the main tower are smaller stupas, each carefully carved with Buddhist teachings. Within the cloistered walls, visitors can find ancient Lao and Khmer artifacts and statues.Pha That Luang is not only a religious site but also a place of national pride, hosting the annual Boun That Luang Festival during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually in October or November). Thousands of people gather for Buddhist ceremonies, celebrations, and alms-giving to monks.