Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple which is considered a national symbol, and the most important religious monument in Laos. It is also known as the Great Stupa and flaunts a beautiful architecture. Vat XiengToung is one of the oldest monasteries in the city. Golden Stupa is the biggest stupa in Laos. Patuxai victory monument in Vientiane is dedicated to the lives lost in the war with France as well as Japan. The interior of the monument is breathtaking with painted walls and ceilings. Black Stupa (That Dam) has many mythological stories attached to it and is regarded as the city’s guiding spirit.