Pha That Luang is a Buddhist stupa located just 5km from the centre of Vientiane in Laos.

It is believed that the current principal stupa of Pha That Luang was built in the 1566 century and to this day is the national symbol of Laos. Pha That Luang was built when King Setthathirat decided to move the capital of Laos from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, and ordered the construction of a magnificent stupa. He believed that creating Pha That Luang would help to achieve his own enlightenment.

Architecture

The main stupa was designed to resemble a pyramid and is protected by 30 more smaller stupas at the base. The stupa is around 69 meters long and approximately 45 meters high: builders were said to have used a thousand pounds of gold leaf in weight to decorate it.

Once inside, you will see historic hand painted pieces of art, which will excite all art history lovers. As you walk around the temple you will find a plethora of Buddha statues, some of which have sadly been damaged. The grounds also hold several life size statues of the Buddha dressed in beautifully coloured saffron robes.

As you make your way around the temple you will see many symbols and references that refer back to the Lao culture and their identity as a people, which is why it has become such a iconic symbol for the country.

How to get there

If you are staying in Vientiane, getting to and from Phat That Luang is very easy. You can choose to walk, grab a tuk tuk, or go along with a tour group. Everybody will know where it is and it is easy to get to by foot with a map. It is located on That Luang road.

When is the best time to visit?

The Boun That Luang Festival is held every November in the capital of Vientiane, and attracts thousands of locals and tourists from all neighbouring countries. The festival lasts for three days and nights and is considered the holiest Buddhist holiday in Laos.

The main event of each Boun That Luang Festival is held at the temple, where everyone is allowed to pray and give their respect to the stupa while enjoying the colourful parades, live music, and various religious ceremonies.

Recommended further reading before visiting:

• Excellent write-up of Pha That Luang on “Vietnamitas en Madrid”
• Short intro to Pha That Luang on laos-guide-999
• About the temple within the grounds – Wat That Luang Neua

Wat That Thong is a Thai Buddhist temple located in the heart of Bangkok that is not on most travellers itinerary, instead opting to see the more famous temples in Bangkok such as Wat Arun or Wat Pho (temple of the reclining Buddha).

Wat That Thong was built in 1937, and sits where two previous Buddhist temples were once standing. The biggest attraction of Wat That Thong is the beautifully crafted statue of the golden Buddha, sitting in the lotus position.

It is not uncommon to see monks around the temple who are willing converse and even show you around the temple to give you a better understanding of what goes on. Bear in mind that not all monks speak English and a donation to the temple after a tour can go a long way.

How did the temple get its name?

Good question. As mentioned earlier, the two former temples that stood before were named Wat That and Wat Thong, so it was only fitting that the new temple that took its place would carry on their history through its own name.

When is the best time to visit?

Wat That Thong is open every day and allow locals and tourists alike to pray, light incense sticks, and give donations. You are free to walk around the grounds and go inside the temple, but you will be required to wear appropriate clothing (no vests, skirts, or shorts).

The best time to visit this temple is during major Buddhist holidays such as Songkran, where they hold fun fares for as long as two weeks which involves carnival style games for the children, shows, and lots of delicious Thai food.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Wat That Thong is using the Bangkok Transit System (BTS), get off at Ekkamai BTS and take exit 3. This will take you directly outside the entrance of That Thong Temple. Alternately, catch a taxi and direct the driver to “Ekkamai BTS” as many will not know where this temple without talking in Thai.

Angkor: Cambodia’s Wondrous Khmer Temples

Author: Dawn Rooney
Pages: 496
Published: Odyssey Books & Guides, 2011
ISBN: 979622178021

Angkor Wat: Time, Space, and Kingship

Author: Eleanor Mannikka
Pages: 360
Published: University of Hawai’i Press, 2000
ISBN: 9780824823535

Khmer Mythology: Secrets of Angkor

Author: Vittorio Roveda
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Published: Twenty-First Century Books, 2008
ISBN: 9780822575856

Sacred Angkor: The Carved Reliefs of Angkor Wat

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Published: River Books, 2002
ISBN: 9789748225838

Of the thousands of pagodas and temples in Myanmar,  Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda (also spelled Chauk Htet Gyi) stands out because of its famous huge reclining Buddha. The pagoda is located on Shwe Gone Dine Road, Bahan Township, in the North of Yangon.

The site is probably the second most popular tourist site in Yangon after the Shwedagon Pagoda. Chauk Htat Gyi means “great six layers” in Burmese  – so the pagoda in name and size surpasses the nearby Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda which is the five layers pagoda!

In the land of gilded golden pagodas, many Buddhist religious sites can be seen glinting from afar, but unlike others, Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is less visible and you could easily pass the place if you didn’t know it was there. Although positioned on high land, most parts of the building are covered with trees.

The reclining Buddha image took 8 years to complete. Originally facing North-West and actually in a seated posture, the design was changed after initial construction issues. The original patron/donor U Bo Thar had an ambition to make it a world-famous landmark, but since the original work in 1907, successive damage and construction problems led to a change of approach. In 1953, Sar U Thwin took charge, enlarging the Buddha image, reconstructing in a reclining posture facing East. The site’s sacred relics and precious gems are installed inside the Buddha head and cushion under the arm.

The Buddha image we can see today is almost 66m long and 17m high, and there are 108 auspicious signs displayed for visitors. The Buddha image is housed under the large metal roof and well maintained.

There is a visitors’ car park right in front of archway to the building. Shoes must be taken off before entering the portico or just left in your car which is the better option! Every day at least 500 people visit the pagoda including many visitors from overseas. Even so, the place is calm, and full of pleasant people coming to practice meditation, to wipe away stress and brighten the inner peace.

This simple and harmonious pagoda is surrounded by several Buddhist monasteries. Most tourists don’t go around the compound, but there is actually much more to see than the one huge reclining Buddha. Behind the Buddha head, there is a place where you could see Ngar HtAt Gyi Pagoda gateway clearly and the view of Shwedagon pagoda from far. If you’re a photographer don’t miss it!

There is a long hallway near the car park with many souvenir shops and exhibits. In the shops you can buy wooden hand-made gifts, traditional bags, puppet toys, and some lacquer wares. A popular item to bring back home as gift from Myanmar is a wooden catapult!

For public transportation, the bus lines to Chauk Htet Gyi include: No. 34, 38, 48, 50, 174, 235, 245 and 255. To avoid going in the wrong direction, check the signs first or ask people around the bus stop. The bus fare only costs MMK 200 but most of the time will be crowded. By taxi it should be between MMK 2500 to MMK 3500 depend on how far it away you start from.

The best time to visit the pagoda is between 2 to 4 pm in the afternoon.

The Kyak Ka Lat (or Kyak Kalap) Pagoda is an extraordinary Buddhist building, located not far from Hpa-An, in Myanmar. 

The most eye-catching of Kyak Ka Lat is the golden stupa sitting on the top of this peculiar rock, in the middle of a small lake, with the Mount Zwegabin in its background.

See more pictures of the Kyak Ka-Lat Pagoda in our Pinterest board!