Pha That Luang

Photo

by Stefan Fussan

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Pha That Luang, located in Vientiane, Laos, is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa and one of the most important national monuments in the country. It is believed to have been originally built in the 3rd century as a Hindu temple, but it has since undergone several reconstructions, with the most significant one happening in the 16th century when King Setthathirath relocated the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The stupa stands about 44 meters high and is surrounded by 30 smaller stupas. Pha That Luang symbolizes both Buddhist teachings and the Lao sovereignty.

Also check out

Patuxai

Wat Si Saket

Buddha Park

Wat Si Muang

Talat Sao

Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan