Local area

Considered a symbol of Laos and its most important national monument, Pha That Luang was built in 1556. The 45-metre main stupa was originally covered in gold leaf and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, and is surrounded by 30 smaller stupas said to contain the ashes of former kings and other royal family members. The temple has been through several restorations as a result of invasions. Today, still covered in gold, it is a significant spiritual centre for Buddhism in Laos.

Wat Sisaket was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. Located close to the old Royal Palace in the centre of the old city, Wat Sisaket was one of the few temples that survived destruction caused during the Siamese invasion of 1828. It is by far one of the most interesting temples in the city and houses more than 10,000 images of Buddha, the oldest dating as far back as the 16th century. Within the compound is a Ho Trai or library where the anicient Buddhist manuscripts known as the Tripitaka are kept.

Wat Simuang was built in 1563 by King Saysetthathirath. The altar was destroyed by the Siamese in 1828 and restoration began in 1915. According to legend, the temple is guarded by the spirit of a girl named Nang Si, who sacrificed her life by leaping to her death, and a wooden pillar was lowered to cover the hole. Due to its sacredness, the temple is frequented by local Laotians to pray and make merit for the next life.

Appearing like a miniature Arc de Triomphe on one of Vientiane's main avenues, Patuxay, or “Victory Arch”, was built between 1957 and 1968 to honour those who gave their lives during the struggle for independence from France. Patuxay has four arched gateways, and the ceilings are decorated with Buddhist mythological creatures and Hindu gods, including the three-headed elephant Erawan. Visitors are encouraged to climb to the top of the monument for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Hor Pha Keo temple was originally built between 1565 and 1566 by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha and as his personal place of worship. The temple was destroyed by the Siamese in 1779 and 1828, and the Emerald Buddha was taken to Siam and is now housed in Bangkok. Hor Pha Keo was restored between 1936 and 1942, converted into a museum in the 1970s, and now houses some of the best examples of Lao religious art, including priceless Buddhist scriptures inscribed on palm leaves.

Built in the 16th century, That Dam, or the Black Stupa, is one of the few ancient stupas that remains intact in Vientiane after the Siamese invasion of 1828. Located in the heart of town, That Dam is a popular Vientiane landmark in spite of the crumbling facade that is now overgrown with vegetation – a feature that has added to its ancient charm. According to legend, That Dam is home to the seven-headed Naga that protected Vientiane from the Siamese invasion of 1828.

Wat Ong Teu, currently the national centre of Buddhism in Laos, was built in the early 16th century by King Saysetthathirath, was later destroyed during the Siamese war, and was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries by the French. This temple consists of various Buddha images, including the central figure, Phra Ongteu, one of the largest to have survived the war and the origin of the temple's name.