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That Dam

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monument
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That Dam (Laos)

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That Dam, also known as the Black Stupa, is one of the oldest and most enigmatic monuments in Vientiane. According to local legend, the stupa is the home of a seven-headed naga (serpent deity) that protects the city and supposedly rose to defend its people during the Siamese invasion of 1828. Originally, the structure was covered in gold plates, but these were stripped away by the invading Siamese forces in the 19th century, leaving behind its current weathered, black brick appearance. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but historians estimate that it dates back at least to the 16th century, if not earlier. Today, That Dam stands isolated in the middle of a quiet roundabout in the heart of the capital. Despite its central location, the site maintains a spiritual and calm atmosphere, with locals often leaving offerings for the guardian naga. Unlike the many glistening, restored stupas found throughout Laos, That Dam gives an authentic sense of antiquity and historical survival.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212528312928272727252321
Rain mm813356216817020324620485166

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
That Dam is a freely accessible outdoor monument, viewable at any time. The massive, moss-covered stones are impressive.
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Typical hours
As an open monument, there are no fixed visiting hours. Best viewed during daylight to appreciate the details.
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Photography
Photography is allowed anytime, especially worthwhile at sunset. Be cautious of traffic as the monument sits at a busy intersection.
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Time needed
A visit takes only about 10 to 15 minutes as the monument is small. Combined with a walk around the roundabout, it may take 30 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine That Dam with nearby Wat Si Muang or Patuxai Arch. The Mekong riverside promenade is also just minutes away.
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Getting there
The monument is located in central Vientiane at the intersection of Lan Xang and Setthathirath roads. Easily reachable on foot or by tuk-tuk.
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Insider tip
Visit That Dam in the early evening when the setting sun tints the mossy stones gold. Watch out for passing motorbikes while photographing.

Geography

Coordinates
17.96600, 102.61100

Facts

  • Believed to be inhabited by a protective seven-headed naga.
  • Once covered in gold, which was stolen during the 1828 invasion.
  • The name 'That Dam' literally translates to 'Black Stupa'.
  • Located in a quiet roundabout in central Vientiane.
  • Estimated to have been built during the 16th century.
  • One of the few structures that survived the city's near-total destruction.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Wat Si SaketWat Si Saket<1 km · EExplore →
Vientiane Orchid FarmVientiane Orchid Farm1 km · SWExplore →
Pha That LuangPha That Luang3 km · NExplore →
Vientiane Logistics ParkVientiane Logistics Park7 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum RiverNam Ngum River7 km · SWExplore →
Vientiane Industrial and Trade AreaVientiane Industrial and Trade Area12 km · NExplore →
Nong KhaiNong Khai15 km · NExplore →
Nam Ngum ReservoirNam Ngum Reservoir15 km · SWExplore →

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 Dam (3)

Jamia Masjid⛪ religious

Serving as Vientiane's oldest mosque, this historic two-story building features a prominent minaret and supports the local Muslim community.

Black Stūpa⛪ religious

This weathered, bell-shaped brick stupa in Vientiane is steeped in folklore and is believed by locals to be the home of a protective seven-headed naga.

🕒 24/7

ວັດ ທົ່ງຂັນຄຳ📍 landmark

An active Buddhist temple complex in Vientiane, featuring a large prayer hall that is regularly used for neighborhood religious gatherings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is That Dam?
An old, black stupa in the center of Vientiane.
Why is the stupa black?
It used to be covered in gold stolen by the Siamese; now it is weathered.
What legend is associated with it?
It is said a seven-headed Naga (serpent) lives inside and protects the city.
Does it cost money to visit?
No, it stands freely at a road junction and can be seen for free anytime.
Are there temple activities there?
It is no longer an active temple, but a historical monument surrounded by cafes.
That Dam: where is it located?
That Dam is located in Laos.
That Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jamia Masjid, Black Stūpa, ວັດ ທົ່ງຂັນຄຳ.
That Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
That Dam: why is it worth visiting?
That Dam, also known as the Black Stupa, is one of the oldest and most enigmatic monuments in Vientiane.
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Nearby cities

Vientiane — That Dam (Laos)
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos, located on the Mekong River.

History & landmarks

Wat Si Saket — That Dam (Laos)
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of small Buddha statues in the walls.
Haw Phra Kaew — That Dam (Laos)
Haw Phra Kaew
A former temple in Vientiane that today serves as a museum for religious art and ancient Laotian artifacts.
Lao National Museum — That Dam (Laos)
Lao National Museum
A museum in Vientiane showcasing the history, culture, and revolutionary struggle of the Laotian people.
Chao Anouvong Statue — That Dam (Laos)
Chao Anouvong Statue
A prominent bronze monument along the Mekong in Vientiane, dedicated to the last king of the Kingdom of Vientiane.
COPE Visitor Centre — That Dam (Laos)
COPE Visitor Centre
An informative museum in Vientiane documenting the impact of secret bombings on Laos and prosthetic efforts.
Pha That Luang — That Dam (Laos)
Pha That Luang
The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.
Buddha Park — That Dam (Laos)
Buddha Park
An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

More places

Wat Si Saket — That Dam (Laos)
Wat Si Saket
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the gallery walls.
Haw Phra Kaew — That Dam (Laos)
Haw Phra Kaew
A former royal temple in Vientiane that now functions as a museum of religious art and once housed the Emerald Buddha.
Patuxai — That Dam (Laos)
Patuxai
An imposing triumphal arch in Vientiane, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
Mekong Riverside Park — That Dam (Laos)
Mekong Riverside Park
A popular park along the river in Vientiane where locals gather in the evenings for sports, play, and relaxation.
🗺️
Suan Mon Organic Farm
An interactive organic farm that introduces families and children to traditional Laotian agriculture and sustainable practices.
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane — That Dam (Laos)
Mekong River Valley at Vientiane
The wide alluvial plain surrounding the capital city, Vientiane, formed by the Mekong River.
Vientiane Port (KM4) — That Dam (Laos)
Vientiane Port (KM4)
The central freight port of the Laotian capital on the banks of the Mekong River, essential for the import and export of heavy building m…
Vientiane Orchid Farm — That Dam (Laos)
Vientiane Orchid Farm
A specialized nursery in the capital dedicated to breeding and preserving hundreds of Laotian orchid species.