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"ThatInhung" is located about 15 kilometers north of Savannakhet, the second largest city in Laos. It is the city's most revered religion shrine. The gray 25 meter-high stupa, adorned with ancestics and fanciful creatures, is all that remain of the ancient city of Sikhottabong. Thought to have been built in the mid-16th century (about the same time as Phra ThatLuang in Vientiane and That Phanom in Nakhone Phanom, Thailand). A hollow chamber in the lower section contains an undistinguished collection of Buddha images (by religious custom, women are not permitted to enter the chamber). It was also built on the site where King FaNgoum's forces were based during the liberation of Muang Sawa (LuangPhrabang). High cloister walls surround the grounds on three sides and a low wall in front, with ornate gates on all four sides. On the full moon of February, there is a big festival celebration each year. |
