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Laos - Phra That Luang - Vientiane
From 2006/07 Travel Blog
The Phra That Luang monument in Vientiane is the subject of Lao Government seals and crests, postcards and endless tacky souvenirs available all over Vientiane.
It is one of the highlights of any visit to the city and pretty much everyone goes to see it. So expect busloads of tourists at times, but make sure you don't miss out on seeing this beautiful stupa.
Phra That Luang a very short ride north of the city centre - from the riverfront you take a jumbo or walk up Lane Xang Avenue past the Prataxui Monument till you see the golden spire in the distance.
Phra That Luang - Vientiane
Phra That Luang is Lao for "Great Stupa", an apt description. The stupa was built in the sixteenth century on top of the ruins of a thirteenth century Khmer temple. It is believed that the stupa contains relics of the Lord Buddha.
The Thai army destroyed Phra That Luang in the nineteenth century, what you see today is the rebuilt version which is said to be true to the original design. So the site has perhaps a lot more history than the stupa that stands today.
The stupa itself is located within a walled compound which you can enter and explore for about 20 baht admission fee, or whatever the equivalent is at the Kip price. (The exchange rate for the kip is forever spiraling downwards so there is little point in quoting kip prices here.)
Phra That Luang - Vientiane
Inside the stupa compound is a large collection of paintings and memorabilia. It is worth paying the entry fee to look inside although the stupa itself is best viewed from a distance.
Outside Phra That Luang compound are two other temples, one still under construction as at mid 2007 and looking like it will be an excellent example of Lao architecture when it is completed. The second, smaller, temple features a good Buddha image and some interesting Naga Serpents.
Phra That Luang and the other temples are all contained within a massive compound with enough parking space for the entire population of Vientiane and then some. There are also a couple of dozen stalls selling refreshments and souvenirs.
If you don't have a hat when you arrive at Phra That Luang, buy a cheapie at the stalls near the entrance before you go further. The sun can be hot and there is very little shade to be found within the compound.
Phra That Luang is a short drive from the center of town and easily
reached by Jumbo (Tuk Tuk). If you walk out here you can get a ride back
into town as a few Jumbos hang around the entrance of the compound.
Phra That Luang - Vientiane
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