The golden steeple of That Kuang looms over Vientiane. This is a national symbol and the most important religious building in Laos. The present gold leaf stupa is a recreation of the 16th century temple thought to have been built by the King. During the That Luang Festival in November you can see the stupa at its finest, elaborately decorated in lights. This is a beautiful sight as the afternoon sun dips behind the Mekong and highlights its gold pinnacles.