description Pha That Luang Overview
Pha That Luang is a large, gold-covered Buddhist stupa located in Vientiane, Laos, and serves as the most significant national monument in the country. Originally built as a Hindu temple in the 3rd century, the structure was heavily reconstructed into its current form as a Buddhist stupa in 1566 by King Setthathirath. Measuring 45 meters in height and surrounded by 30 smaller spires, the reliquary is believed to enshrine a breastbone of the Buddha. The site was heavily damaged during a Siamese invasion in the 19th century and later restored by the French École française d'Extrême-Orient.
help Pha That Luang FAQ
Why is Pha That Luang the national symbol of Laos?
The gilded monument combines Buddhist symbolism with the history of the Lao state and appears on official emblems and currency. Its present form centers on a main stupa approximately 45 meters high.
Who built Pha That Luang?
King Setthathirath ordered the major stupa constructed in Vientiane in 1566 after moving the Lan Xang capital there. Tradition holds that the site contains a relic of the Buddha.
Is the present Pha That Luang entirely original?
No. The monument suffered repeated damage, including destruction during 19th-century conflicts, and underwent major reconstruction in the 20th century.
What happens during the That Luang Festival?
The annual Buddhist festival brings monks, pilgrims, processions, offerings, and public celebrations to the monument. It is one of Laos's most important religious gatherings and usually takes place around the November full moon.
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