Wat That Luang Tai — Local services in Vientiane Capital

That Luang Tai (also called That Luang Yai) is a hidden gem right next to the famous Pha That Luang in Vientiane. While most tourists focus on the main stupa, this beautiful temple offers a more peaceful and authentic local experience. The intricate architecture, colorful murals, and detailed statues here are absolutely worth exploring.

One interesting fact: this temple is traditionally used by local monks and for community ceremonies, giving you a glimpse into everyday religious life in Laos. The atmosphere feels much calmer and more personal compared to the larger, more crowded Pha That Luang next door.

Tips:

Visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and the lighting is perfect for photos.

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) as a sign of respect.

Take time to sit quietly and observe the monks' daily activities — it’s a very peaceful experience.

Bring small cash donations if you’d like to make an offering.

If you're already visiting Pha That Luang, definitely set aside extra time to walk over to That Luang Tai. It’s a beautiful and meaningful stop that many...

Le Vat That Luang Tai (reconstruction du début du 20ème S.) Nom : Monastère sud du stupa doré. Particularités : Portique d’entrée monumental. 2 kinaris gardent l’entrée du parc intérieur. A gauche de l’entrée, on trouve une enfilade de statues de Bouddha dans les diverses positions associées aux différents jours de la semaine. Le mur d’enceinte est doublé d’un « mur » de thats de particuliers fortunés. Une fausse porte particulièrement colorée narre par un haut relief la bataille de Lanka (Ramayana) entre Hanuman et Ravana. A l’arrière, se trouve un très grand Bouddha couché.. Le long du sim, on trouve de nombreuses statues de Bouddha et un hanglin monumental. Un grand arbre Bo est entouré de Bouddhas Sirattanaga. Le parc de la tour du tambour est rempli de statues du Boudha dont une très grande et colorée, surélevée, Sirattanaga. Les peintures intérieures de la sala (lieu de fête et de Boun) sont très colorées.

Wat That Luang Tai (reconstruction of the early 20th C.) Name: Monastery south of the golden stupa. Special features: Monumental entrance portico. 2 kinaris guard the entrance of the inner park. To the left of the entrance, there is a row of Buddha statues in various positions associated with different days of the week. The temple wall is lined with a "wall" of thats worth individuals. An especially colorful false door by a high relief narrates the Battle of Lanka (Ramayana) between Hanuman and Ravana. At the rear is a large reclining Buddha. Along the sim, there are many Buddha statues and a monumental hanglin. A great Bo tree is surrounded by Buddhas Sirattanaga. The Drum Tower Park is full of statues of Buddha which one is very large and colorful, elevated Sirattanaga. Interior paints the sala (place of celebration and Boun) are...

The Buddhist temple of Wat That Luang Tai dates back to the 17th century and was on of the four "Guardian Wats of the Phra That Luang. Today only two of these guardian temples survive, the other being Wat That Luang Neua, the residence of the Supreme Patriarch, Pha Sangkharat of Lao Buddhism located to the north of the Phra That Luang. Over the years, Wat That Luang Tai has undergone several major renovations, each reflecting the cultural and political shifts of the times. Take a few minutes to discover this gem when...