VAT PHABAT PONSAN

This temple is located on National Road 13, 67 km from Paksan and 85 km from Vientiane. The construction of the imposing golden stupa dates back to the 1930s. In the middle of a raised palm grove, the temple houses a large symbolic footprint of Buddha's foot (pha baat) and an imposing drum (gong). A reclining Buddha can also be seen there. Every year, on the night of the full moon in July, the vat hosts a famous colourful festival where traditional dances and spiritual offerings are performed. Several monks live in the complex.