Trip Planner: Asia / Laos / Vientiane Province / Vientiane / Historic Sites / Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang)

Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang), Vientiane

(1,100+ reviews on the web)

Historic Site Religious Site

An impressive but slender 45 m (148 ft) gilded structure surrounded by high walls, Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang) imposes itself with its beauty as a symbol of Lao-style Buddhism. A national symbol, which made it on the country’s official seal, the complex is believed to enshrine a breast bone of Buddha brought by a Hindu missionary sent by King Ashoka as early as the third century CE. This most revered national monument features a huge statue of a gilt reclining Buddha, and a statue of King Setthathirath, the founder of the present-day stupa built in 1566, erected in front of the main entrance. The complex lies some 4 km (2.5 mi) north of Vientinane. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang) by using our Vientiane trip itinerary planner.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

byrone29

Another famous symbol of Laos after the Patuxai, this temple has become the religious and national landmark of Laos. It is closed to the center of town and quite accessible. The statue of King Setthat... more »
John W

Visited this place but just from outside as the main area was under extensive renovation. There is sleeping Buddha inside though we didn't get to see it from close range. Only one small matter that th... more »
travelpamore2

It was a magnificent place! Unfortunately it was under renovations when we went there , but everything seem to be great and still clean. more »

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Raoul Bernal

I wish I read the recent reviews. Unless if you want to make an offering to the Buddha inside, it's not worth the 10k kips as the buddha images are all covered up during the renovation work inside. The views outside the walls are just as stunning. Ask or find out first if the renovations are done. Otherwise, the surrounding structures are also worth visiting.

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Tran thi Bao kieu

Great structure. 10.000 kips for 1 ticket. There are have 3 pagodas around the structure.

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Jan Vojíř

Nice things everywhere, but not so fabulous as i expected. Dont pay 10000 kip for stupa, from outside there is much more beautiful view. You can ride motorbike around, distances from buildings are rather big.

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Jess Gillett

As per below reviews, be aware that the stupa and surrounding annexes are still undergoing renovations; after paying the small entrance fee of 10000 kip I was a bit baffled as to how they can really charge, as there is literally nothing to see that can't be seen from outside, I walked around the stupa in 2 minutes and then walked right out again. I guess it was up to me to enter! Also please don't buy the birds in cages outside, I really abhor this practice which I have only seen in Laos. The stupa is impressive.

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Marilyn Dcruz

Paid 5000 kip to enter the museum but as renovations are underway you only get to walk around the edge of the structure. Not worth the entry fee right now. The other buildings are free to enter and worth a visit.

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Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang), Vientiane

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