That Luang as the National Symbol is featured on the National Emblem of Laos. It was constructed in 1566 by King Say Setthathirath in a typical Lao style and is one of the best known That or stupas in Laos.That Luang or Pha That Luang, the "Great Sacred Stupa" of Vientiane, is the most important religious edifice in Laos. It also has great spiritual significance for the Lao people, having been considered the symbol of Lao independence and sovereignty since the time of Lan Xang, the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, in the mid sixteenth century. It is a strange and exotic structure, uniquely combining-as McCarthy saw-the ethereal features of a Buddhist temple with the more mundane requirements of a stronghold or fortress. As well it might-for the fate and fortune of That Luang over the centuries has been as uncertain as that of the Lao Nation it represents.
Patousai or Arch of Triump, was formely known only as Anousavary (monument). Constructed in 1958 on Lan Xang Avenue, the architecture is inspired from the Arc de triompje of Paris with Typical Lao motifs.
Vat Phou is an ancient stone palace, an architectural marvel, located on the eastern slope of Kao mountain, at about 45km from Pakse district. Its is the crowning jewel of Champassack province and perhaps of the entire country.
Vat Phra Keo was constructed in 1565 by King Xayasethathirath when he moved the capital of Lan Xang to Vientiane. It housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok.
Vat Sisaket is the only temple in Vientiane that has survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese in 1828. It is the oldest monastery standing intact in its original form, and certainly one of the most interesting in the whole country. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, are hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of 6840 Buddha images.
That Luang as the National Symbol is featured on the National Emblem of Laos. It was constructed in 1566 by King Say Setthathirath in a typical Lao style and is one of the best known That or stupas in Laos.That Luang or Pha That Luang, the "Great Sacred Stupa" of Vientiane, is the most important religious edifice in Laos. It also has great spiritual significance for the Lao people, having been considered the symbol of Lao independence and sovereignty since the time of Lan Xang, the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, in the mid sixteenth century. It is a strange and exotic structure, uniquely combining-as McCarthy saw-the ethereal features of a Buddhist temple with the more mundane requirements of a stronghold or fortress. As well it might-for the fate and fortune of That Luang over the centuries has been as uncertain as that of the Lao Nation it represents.
Patousai or Arch of Triump, was formely known only as Anousavary (monument). Constructed in 1958 on Lan Xang Avenue, the architecture is inspired from the Arc de triompje of Paris with Typical Lao motifs.
Vat Phou is an ancient stone palace, an architectural marvel, located on the eastern slope of Kao mountain, at about 45km from Pakse district. Its is the crowning jewel of Champassack province and perhaps of the entire country.
Vat Phra Keo was constructed in 1565 by King Xayasethathirath when he moved the capital of Lan Xang to Vientiane. It housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok.
Vat Sisaket is the only temple in Vientiane that has survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese in 1828. It is the oldest monastery standing intact in its original form, and certainly one of the most interesting in the whole country. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, are hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of 6840 Buddha images.