That Luang, a grand stupa and national symbol of Laos

Laos has some of the best tourist attractions in the world and it’s time for people to explore them, especially now that the Covid pandemic is on the wane and travel is safer. The purpose of this article is to promote tourism in Laos, including through the Lao Thiew Laos campaign.

That Luang stupa.   --Photp Phoonsab Thevongsa

That Luang stupa is among the most significant tourist attractions that feature some of the oldest archeology in Vientiane and the country.
Laos is a beautiful country with an abundance of tourist sites. All the cultural attractions of Laos give visitors a glimpse of the unique culture and architecture of the country.
That Luang is a grand sacred stupa and it has long been a national symbol. The stupa is also one of the most important monuments of Laos and a cultural landmark of the capital city with a long and interesting history.
It is a sacred site because the huge golden stupa has a relic of the Lord Buddha.
The stupa is a religious centre which can teach people about Laos’ unique culture, architecture and history.
That Luang Stupa has a long history involving fine traditions, and showcases some of the most intricate architecture and carvings.
The stupa is very beautiful with about 45 metres high. It’s located in That Luang village of Xaysettha district in Vientiane, not far from the city centre and can easily be reached on foot.
The stupa was originally built in the 3rd Century, around the same time as the establishment of the city of Vientiane, to house the bones of Lord Buddha. The original stupa was very small and made of stone. The site soon became a place for people to worship and pray to Buddha.
The original structure was renovated on the orders of the great King Xaysetthathirath in the 16th century when he moved the Lao capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in 1560. The king led his citizens in enlarging Pha That Luang in 1566, and the original site was covered with a bigger stupa.
From then on, the monument took on the name That Luang or Grand Stupa, and it has been renovated numerous times.
Visitors can see some very old and intricate architecture and carvings and learn about the stupa’s origins.
However, visitors should be aware that there are some rules to follow when entering the stupa, either for a visit or to worship. All visitors must dress modestly in line with Lao traditions.
Every November, a colourful festival called That Luang festival is organised to celebrate the stupa, which is the most revered in Laos, and people from across the country eagerly take part. Foreigners also enjoy taking part in the festival with the local people and learning about Lao culture and traditions.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 6, 2022)