That Found stupa in Khoun district, Xieng Khuang province, is attracting more than 300 visitors a month following its renovation, a significant improvement compared to the past.
An official at the Xieng Khuang provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Phonekeo Houng Aloun, told Vientiane Times the stupa was restored last year for the second time after it was damaged during the Indochina War.
“The stupa houses some of Buddha’s bone ashes and is more than 600 years old,” he said.
Stalls at the site now sell handicrafts and local goods, and rent out traditional ethnic costumes that people can wear to have their photo taken in front of the stupa.
Most visitors are Lao and Buddhist, so they worship and pray at the stupa.
“Xieng Khuang provincial authorities will hold a special festival to solemnise the stupa. Such an event has not been held for hundreds of years,” Mr Phonekeo said.
The stupa is located in Khoun district and has good road access.
Besides the stupa, Xieng Khuang is home to other fascinating sights such as the enigmatic Plain of Jars, hot springs, caves and old temples. The province is located about 435km north of Vientiane.
Xieng Khuang attracted more than 80,000 visitors in the first six months of this year, while last year the province attracted more than 178,000 tourists, according to the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department.
Source: Vientiane Times
