tiabunna's photos with the keyword: Pha That Luang

The gentleman commemorated by this statue in Vientiane, the Lao capital, is Setthathirath, who became King of several of the regions now forming Laos in the mid-1500s. He successfully fought off invasions from Burma and built many Buddhist structures. Behind his statue is the golden stupa, the Pha That Luang (see also clickable PiP). HFF, stay safe and best wishes for the weekend, everyone.

Also known as the Great Stupa, the gold-coloured Pha That Luang is the most important Buddhist stupa in Laos and a national symbol. Apparently dating in its earliest form from the 3rd century, it was built on its current site in Vientiane by King Setthathirath in 1566. Even so, as a consequence of wars it has had to be rebuilt a number of times. It appears the top spire is gold plated, the rest is done in gold paint.