That Ing Hang

That Ing Hang Stupa is about nine metres high with beautiful carvings and decorations, it is surrounded by walls lined with Buddha statues and reported to house a relic of Buddha’s spine. The 16th century stupa is located in Savannakhet, Central Laos.

This is a sacred stupa and reportedly the burial site for one of Buddha’s bones. It is an important place for Buddhists and is registered as a National Treasure of Lao PDR. It was built about 450 years ago by the King Marukhanakhone to commemorate the Buddha's visit to the site in the past. Buddha is believed to have delivered a sermon to people at the site and later took a rest under the “Hang” tree. This is the reason why the stupa is called That Ing Hang. The annual festival is held every November (Exact date varies according to the lunar calendar). That Ing Hang is located in Ban That (That village). The easiest way to get there is to head out along Route 9 for about 12km and turn left at the police stand and then drive straight for about another 3km and you will come directly to That Ing Hang. There is a slightly shorter way along back-roads and this is sign-posted from the outskirts of Savannakhet.

Note: Women are required to wear a traditional Sin (Lao Skirt) in order to enter the site. These are available next to the entrance. You need to pay for entry fee.

The sacred stupa is an important place of worship not only for Laotian Buddhists but also Thai Buddhists who live in northern Thailand. ‘Dress with respect’ is a must for all visitors.

Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 – 18:00

Location: In Ban That Village about 15km north of Kaysone Phomvihane District, Savannakhet Province in Central Laos.

Source: http://www.tourismlaos.org/show_province.php?Cont_ID=832