This 29 meter high golden stupa is one of the most sacred sites in Laos. It was first constructed to keep relics of the Lord Buddha in the 6th century. After the 7th century, when the area was assimilated into the Khmer Empire, the stupa was renovated in Hindu style. When the Lanxang Kingdom regained control of the area, King Phothisarat (1520-1547) added the lotus-bud top to the structure. King Saysethathirath later refurbished the stupa to its present form, which has remained unchanged since. During the 1950s, many of the facilities surrounding the stupa were constructed.