VAT THAT LUANG
Located in the south of the city, next to the sports field, this temple whose name means "the temple of the stupa" was built by Mangthatourath around 1818. Also called Wat Pra Mahathat, the pagoda was named after the Lanna-style temple in northern Thailand. It was built in 1548 by King Say Setthathirath, but was almost completely destroyed during the storm of 1900, as was Vat Ho Xiang. It was therefore rebuilt and renovated several times (the last time in the early 2000s). It shelters about ten Buddhas. Moreover, it is the seat of many festivals in honor of Buddha, and the population meets there frequently. During the Lao New Year, Pi May, this temple is very active. Until 1975, the temple was used to celebrate the funerals and cremation of the high dignitaries of the kingdom. You won't miss the stupa or that. The That Luang is square plan, redented. Second emblem of the country after the That Luang of Vientiane, it is a "funerary" building which would shelter relics of Buddha. The smallest golden stupa, opposite the sim, was built in 1820 during the reign of Queen Pathoumma. Since the 1960s it has contained the ashes of Her Majesty Sisavang Vong, who died in 1959. The Wat also has a number of smaller stupas containing ashes of kings and other members of the royal family. The complex is home to one of the largest monk communities in the city, in traditional-style living quarters.
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