☸️ Pha That Luang (Vientiane)
Laos
About This Sacred Site
Pha That Luang ('Great Sacred Stupa') is the most important national monument in Laos and the country's most sacred Buddhist site. Located in Vientiane, the golden stupa is said to enshrine a breastbone relic of the Buddha. Originally built in the 3rd century BCE by envoys of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, the current structure dates primarily from the 16th century under King Setthathirath. The stupa appears on Laos's national emblem and is the focal point of the annual That Luang Festival, the country's largest religious celebration.
Key Facts
- •The most important national monument and symbol of Laos
- •Said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha from the 3rd century BCE
- •The current structure was built by King Setthathirath in 1566
- •The golden stupa rises to 45 meters and is surrounded by 30 small stupas
- •The annual That Luang Festival draws thousands of devotees and monks
Location
Coordinates: 17.9764, 102.6336
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