That Dam

About this place

That Dam, meaning «Black Stupa», is a large old Buddhist stupa standing in the middle of a roundabout in central Vientiane. It stands out against the modern streets and cafes around it, with green growth covering its dark stone. It needs no separate trip, making a pleasant pause on any walk around the centre of the capital. Little is firmly known about when it was built. According to Wikipedia, many Lao people believe a seven-headed mythical serpent lives inside it and tried to protect them from an army that came in 1827. Its value therefore lies more in popular memory than in documents, and it remains a simple symbol of the city. The stupa rises in rings of dark stone towards a pointed tip, with grass and small plants growing on its tiers, so the monument looks like a small hill. Some photographs show yellow cloth around the base. The picture changes with the season, as the greenery grows thicker after the rains. It stands near Wat Si Saket in the city centre, about 300 m away in a straight line, so it is easy to walk there. Take care crossing the roundabout, as cars and motorbikes do not always stop. Treat the place with respect and do not climb or sit on it. The end of the day is best for photos, and you can then walk on to the Mekong riverside.