That Dam
Black stupa believed to house a mythological Naga serpent
Vientiane
The That Dam, which translates to “black stupa” is one of Vientiane’s historical landmarks. The old, weathered stupa is found on a square in the middle of a roundabout near the Talat Sao, Vientiane’s morning market in the center of town.
The brick stupa overgrown with vegetation was once completely plastered, most of it has crumbled off. It is not known when the That Dam was built. Centuries ago stupas were built to enshrine Buddhist relics or ashes of a King or an important monk.
Legend of the That Dam stupa
According to local legend the stupa was inhabited by a seven headed Naga, a serpent from Buddhist mythology. The Naga protected Vientiane’s inhabitants when the town was invaded, looted and largely destroyed by the Siamese in 1827.
Depictions of Naga snakes are often found in temples around South East Asia. They are believed to protect Buddhism as Mucalinda, the King of the Naga serpents protected the Buddha from heavy rainfall while meditating.
Another legend the tells stupa was once completely covered in pure gold which was taken by the Siamese invaders.
Location
The black stupa is located in the middle of the roundabout that connects Chantha Khoumane road and Bartholonie road about halfway between the Patuxai monument and the Mekong river in Vientiane.
How to get to the That Dam
Much of the town center can be covered on foot. A pleasant way to get around in Vientiane is by bicycle; one can be rented at about 10,000 Kip per day.
Tuk tuk prices in the downtown area are upward from 20,000 Kip per person and depend on your bargaining efforts and the number of people in the group. If a shared tuk tuk is not full, it will stop along the way to pick up other passengers and detours are possible. If you book one private, expect to pay double or triple the shared rate.
Opening hours
The stupa can be visited daily, 24 hours per day.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.
Attractions Vientiane
Vientiane Temples
Other attractions Vientiane