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That Sikhottabong

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That Sikhottabong (Laos)

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The Sikhottabong Stupa, also known as That Sikhottabong, is one of the most revered religious monuments in Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River in Khammouane Province. The origins of the site date back to the 6th century when it was established as part of the Sikhottabong Kingdom, a significant early Southeast Asian civilization. The stupa reached its current architectural form in the 16th century under King Setthathirath, who ordered its renovation and expansion to bolster the religious authority of the Lan Xang Kingdom. The structure is characterized by an elegant square base and a tapering golden spire, embodying the refined Lao architectural style. Further restoration work was carried out during the French colonial period and again in the 1950s to preserve its historical integrity. Today, the temple serves as the focal point for the annual Sikhottabong Festival, which draws thousands of devotees during the full moon of the third lunar month. Its riverside setting provides expansive views across the Mekong towards the Thai border.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202226282827262625242219
Rain mm91545661712033353342361192313

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
That Sikhottabong is a sacred golden stupa on the Mekong riverbank, open to visitors. The outer area is freely accessible, while the inner section is open only at set times.
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Typical hours
The stupa is typically open from 8:00 to 17:00, often longer on holidays. Entry is usually free or by a small donation.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the grounds, with great shots featuring the Mekong in the background. Avoid flash indoors.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 40 minutes for a visit. If you explore the surroundings and walk along the bank, you may spend up to an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the stupa with Thakhek's old town and the Thakhek market. A boat ride on the Mekong is also a great addition.
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Getting there
The stupa is located right on the Mekong riverbank in Thakhek, within walking distance from the town center. Easily reachable by tuk-tuk or bicycle.
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Insider tip
Visit the stupa in the late afternoon when sunlight makes the golden dome glow. Take time for a stroll along the Mekong riverbank.

Geography

Coordinates
17.34800, 104.75700

Facts

  • The stupa was originally built in the 6th century to house sacred relics of the Buddha.
  • King Setthathirath ordered a major reconstruction of the monument in 1568.
  • The structure stands at an impressive height of approximately 29 meters.
  • The temple complex is located about 6 kilometers south of the town of Thakhek.
  • The current decorative spire was completed during a restoration phase in 1953.
  • It is recognized as one of the five most important Buddhist shrines in Laos.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tha Khaek LoopTha Khaek Loop5 km · NExplore →
ThakhekThakhek9 km · NExplore →
Phou Hin Poun National ParkPhou Hin Poun National Park14 km · WExplore →
Kong Lor CaveKong Lor Cave17 km · WExplore →
Savan-Seno Special Economic ZoneSavan-Seno Special Economic Zone22 km · EExplore →
That Ing HangThat Ing Hang23 km · EExplore →
Nam Theun 2 Hydropower PlantNam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant27 km · NExplore →
Khammouane Potash MineKhammouane Potash Mine27 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town That Sikhottabong (7)

Hồ Chí Minh’s House🏛 museum

Hồ Chí Minh’s House is a museum dedicated to the Vietnamese leader's time spent living in the That Sikhot area.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-18:00

Hồ Chí Minh Museum🏛 museum

The Hồ Chí Minh Museum exhibits historical artifacts relating to the famous leader's activities in the That Sikhot region.

The Chakri Dynasty Honor Celebration House🏛 museum

The Chakri Dynasty Honor Celebration House functions as a museum detailing the royal history of the Thai monarchy in the That Sikhot area.

Mekhong Underwater World🎡 recreation

Mekhong Underwater World is an aquarium showcasing the diverse freshwater aquatic life found in the Mekong River system.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:30-16:30

San Chao Pho Dai Weuang⛪ religious

San Chao Pho Dai Weuang operates as a local shrine for traditional worship in the That Sikhot area.

Saint Joseph Ban Kham Term Church⛪ religious

Saint Joseph Ban Kham Term Church provides a Christian place of worship for the local congregation in the That Sikhot region.

Saint Anna Nong Saeng Church📍 landmark

Saint Anna Nong Saeng Church is a Christian religious building serving the faithful in the That Sikhot area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the age of That Sikhottabong?
Its origins date back to the 6th-9th centuries, but it was expanded in the 16th century under King Setthathirath.
Where is this stupa located?
On the banks of the Mekong in Thakhek, Khammouane Province, in central Laos.
Why is the site so religiously significant?
It is considered one of the holiest sites in Laos and is said to house relics of Buddha.
When does the main festival take place?
The Boun That Sikhottabong festival is celebrated annually during the full moon of the third lunar month.
How high is the stupa?
The golden stupa is about 29 meters high and towers over the surrounding temple complex.
That Sikhottabong: where is it located?
That Sikhottabong is located in Laos.
That Sikhottabong: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hồ Chí Minh’s House, Hồ Chí Minh Museum, The Chakri Dynasty Honor Celebration House.
That Sikhottabong: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
That Sikhottabong: why is it worth visiting?
The Sikhottabong Stupa, also known as That Sikhottabong, is one of the most revered religious monuments in Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River in Khammouane Province.
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Nearby cities

Thakhek — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Thakhek
Thakhek is located on the Mekong opposite the Thai city of Nakhon Phanom.
Tha Khaek Loop — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Tha Khaek Loop
The Tha Khaek Loop is a famous multi-day motorbike circuit in central Laos, passing through caves, lagoons, and stunning karst scenery.
Seno — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Seno
Seno is a major transport hub in Savannakhet Province.
Ubon Ratchathani — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani is one of the four major cities of Isan, known for its annual Candle Festival.
Sakon Nakhon — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Sakon Nakhon
Sakon Nakhon is a city in northeast Thailand on the shore of Nong Han Lake, Thailand's largest freshwater lake.

History & landmarks

That Sikhottabong — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
That Sikhottabong
A monumental stupa in Thakhek on the banks of the Mekong, said to house a relic of Lord Buddha.
Kong Lor Cave — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Kong Lor Cave
One of the most impressive geological formations in Laos, a 7.5 km long karst cave traversed by a navigable underground river.

Nature

Xe Bang Fai River — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Xe Bang Fai River
This river in central Laos is famous for having bored its way through one of the largest river cave systems in the world.
Mekong River (Thailand) — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Mekong River (Thailand)
A lifeline of Southeast Asia, forming the border between Thailand and Laos.

More places

🗺️
Phou Hin Poun National Park
An impressive nature reserve featuring steep limestone mountains, deep caves, and pristine forests in Khammouane Province.
Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant
One of the largest and most controversial hydropower projects in Laos, built on the Nam Theun River to export electricity primarily to Th…
🗺️
Khammouane Potash Mine
A massive mining facility focused on the extraction of potassium salts, which is crucial for Asian fertilizer production.
Khammouane Karst — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Khammouane Karst
A vast region of limestone mountains riddled with countless caves, including the Kong Lor Cave.
Nakai Plateau — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Nakai Plateau
A plateau in central Laos, part of the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric project, which resulted in a large reservoir.
Nakai-Nam Theun National Park — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Nakai-Nam Theun National Park
One of the largest and most biodiverse nature reserves in Laos within the Annamite Range, known for groundbreaking wildlife discoveries.
Hin Nam No National Protected Area — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Hin Nam No National Protected Area
A spectacular karst nature reserve bordering Vietnam, concealing unique flora in its limestone formations.
Hin Namno National Park — That Sikhottabong (Laos)
Hin Namno National Park
A huge karst area on the Vietnamese border, directly connecting to the famous Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.