Pha That Luang

Located in the center of Vientiane, Pha That Luang (“Great Stupa in Lao”) is one of the most significant monument in Laos. The stupa has several terraces with each level representing a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment.

There is no regular city bus passing there, but you can take a taxi or hire a motorbike, bicycle to combine Pha That Luang visit with other places like Patuxai, Wat Si Saket. To access the interior area, visitors have to pay an entrance fee of 5,000 kip (approximately €0.5) for each person.

Following the establishment of Vientiane as the capital of Laos, King Setthathirath constructed Pha That Luang in 1566. The stupa, which was built on the ruins of a previous Khmer building, is a reflection of the many cultural influences that have moulded Laos over the ages.

Pha That Luang's Architecture The Pha That Luang is approximately 44 meters (about 147 feet) tall from the base to the top of its stupa. It's important to note that only the pinnacle of the stupa is covered in real gold leaf, while the remainder is painted in gold color.