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That Dam (Black Stupa), Laos - Things to Do in That Dam (Black Stupa)

Things to Do in That Dam (Black Stupa)

That Dam (Black Stupa), Laos - Complete Travel Guide

That Dam (Black Stupa) sits quietly in the heart of Vientiane, a modest Buddhist monument that locals believe houses a protective seven-headed dragon. The small, weathered stupa doesn't command attention like some of Laos' grander temples, but it holds a special place in Vientiane folklore and offers a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs that quietly shape daily life here. According to legend, this naga dragon defended the city when the Siamese invaded in 1828, and you'll often see fresh flowers and incense left by locals who still honor this protective spirit. The stupa sits at a busy intersection surrounded by everyday Vientiane life - street food vendors, small shops, and the constant hum of motorbikes navigating the roundabout that encircles it.

Top Things to Do in That Dam (Black Stupa)

That Dam (Black Stupa)

This unassuming black stupa might look modest compared to Vientiane's golden temples, but locals believe it houses a protective seven-headed dragon that defended the city from invaders. You'll often see fresh offerings of flowers and incense, giving you a genuine glimpse into living Buddhist traditions. The stupa sits at a busy roundabout, so you can easily combine it with other nearby attractions.

Booking Tip: No entrance fee required - it's accessible 24/7. Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon light. Takes about 15-20 minutes to walk around and appreciate.

Patuxai Victory Monument

Often called Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe, this concrete monument offers panoramic city views from its upper levels and houses a small museum about Lao history. The architecture blends French colonial influences with traditional Lao motifs, creating something uniquely Vientiane. The surrounding park is pleasant for an evening stroll when locals come out to exercise and socialize.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15,000 kip ($1.50). Open daily 8am-5pm. Climb to the top levels for the best views - there's a small elevator, but stairs are more reliable.

Pha That Luang

This golden stupa is Laos' most sacred Buddhist monument and the country's national symbol, appearing on everything from currency to the national seal. The current structure dates to the 1930s reconstruction, but the site has been sacred for over 450 years. The complex includes several temples and is particularly atmospheric during morning alms ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 10,000 kip (about $1). Open 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better light for photos.

Wat Si Saket

Built in 1818, this temple survived the Siamese destruction of Vientiane thanks to its Thai-style architecture, making it the city's oldest surviving temple. The highlight is the cloister containing over 10,000 Buddha images in niches along the walls, creating an almost overwhelming sense of devotion. The peaceful courtyard offers respite from Vientiane's heat and traffic.

Booking Tip: Entrance costs 10,000 kip. Open daily 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Combine with nearby Haw Phra Kaew for a half-day temple tour. Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees.

Mekong Riverfront

The Mekong riverfront comes alive at sunset when locals gather for exercise, street food, and socializing along the promenade. During dry season, you can walk out onto the exposed sandbanks and temporary restaurants that pop up on the riverbed. The night market here offers decent souvenirs and local snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Free to walk along. Best visited late afternoon through evening. Street food typically costs 10,000-30,000 kip per dish. Weekend evenings are busiest with local families.

Getting There

Wattay International Airport sits about 4km from central Vientiane, with taxis costing around $10-15 to the city center or tuk-tuks for about half that if you're comfortable negotiating. Most visitors actually arrive overland from Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge - you can take a bus from Bangkok (10-12 hours) or cross from Nong Khai by train, then taxi across the bridge. The VIP buses from Bangkok are surprisingly comfortable and cost around $25-30, arriving at Vientiane's main bus terminal about 3km from the center.

Getting Around

Vientiane is quite walkable for a Southeast Asian capital, and many attractions cluster within a few kilometers of each other. Tuk-tuks are everywhere and typically cost 20,000-40,000 kip for short trips around the center, though you'll need to negotiate firmly. Renting a bicycle makes sense for a day of sightseeing - many guesthouses rent them for about $2-3 daily, and traffic is generally manageable compared to other regional capitals. For longer distances or airport runs, regular taxis use meters and are reasonably priced.

Where to Stay

City Center near Nam Phu Fountain
Mekong Riverfront area
Around That Luang district
Near the Morning Market (Talat Sao)
Setthathirath Road area
Sisangvone Road district

Food & Dining

Vientiane's food scene blends Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, and French influences in ways that feel authentically local rather than fusion-for-tourists. The morning market area has excellent street food stalls serving foe (Lao noodle soup) and sticky rice, while the riverfront evening food stalls offer grilled fish and som tam (papaya salad) with cold Beer Lao. French bakeries scattered around town serve surprisingly good pastries and coffee - a legacy of colonial times that locals have embraced. For dinner, family-run restaurants along Setthathirath Road serve traditional Lao dishes like laap and ping kai (grilled chicken) in relaxed settings where you'll likely be the only tourist.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vientiane

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

La Terrasse

4.5 /5
(1251 reviews) 2

Tango Pub Bar Restaurant

4.6 /5
(450 reviews) 2

Cafe Ango

4.7 /5
(314 reviews) 2
cafe

Le Khem Khong

4.8 /5
(211 reviews)
bar

Bistro 22

4.5 /5
(213 reviews) 2

Home Vientiane

4.6 /5
(160 reviews)
cafe park

When to Visit

November through February offers the most comfortable weather with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, though this is also peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices. March through May gets seriously hot - we're talking 35-40°C (95-104°F) with high humidity that can be genuinely exhausting for sightseeing. The rainy season from June to October brings afternoon downpours but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. That said, Vientiane never gets truly overwhelming with tourists like some Southeast Asian destinations, so shoulder seasons can offer good value with decent weather.

Insider Tips

That Dam looks best photographed from the small side streets rather than the busy main intersection - walk around the block for quieter angles
The dragon legend is taken seriously by locals, so be respectful when taking photos and don't climb on the stupa itself
Combine That Dam with nearby Wat Ong Teu temple and the morning market for an efficient half-day walking route through central Vientiane

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Itineraries

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Getting Around

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Where to Stay

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