That Dam (The Black Stupa)
Namphu Area Map - J4

Situated in downtown Vientiane, That Dam sits alone. The history of That Dam, Lao for “Black Stupa”, is muddled with more folklore than fact. The reigning theory is of the stupa being built over the home of a seven headed dragon. Some say the dragon tried to help Vientiane in its fight against Siam in 1827. Others say it still comes out periodically to help in times of danger.

Today, the stupa sits in an area of town that once flourished with Colonial French architecture. There is a small circle of grass surrounding the stupa. However, without the shade of any trees, it is usually too hot to spend any extended amount of time here.