Pha That Luang: Pha That Luang (the Great Stupa) is a Buddhist stupa built in the 16th century under King Saysetthathirath on the ruins of older temples that once existed on that site. The original structure is believed to have been a four-sided stone obelisk built by the Cham people who inhabited the area during the Khmer civilization.
Seeking to unify his kingdom, King Saysetthathirath ordered That Luang built in 1566, six years after moving the capital of Lan Xang kingdom to Vientiane. He used the site to hold the annual That Luang Festival, allowing monks and subjects from thoughout the kingdom to come together in celebration. The festival also provided him with an opportunity to test the loyalty of his chief administrators. He also believed the building of the structure in homage to Buddha would aid him in his quest to achieve enlightenment.
The stupa now stands 45 meters (147 feet) high and is believed to contain ashes of Buddha within it.
King Saysetthathirath Statue: Sitting high on a base in front of Pha That Luang is a statue of King Saystthathirath, the former king of the Lan Xang kingdom who moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and had That Luang Stupa constructed.