The That Pathum, commonly known as That Makmo, is a Buddhists temple that stands out by virtue of its unusual shape of a stupa. It’s located in the city of Luang Prabang, Laos.

Meaning of That Pathum (That Makmo) in Laos

The name ‘That Pathum’ is directly translated into ‘Stupa of the Great Lotus’. On top of a square platform located in each of the four corners is a lotus pedestal in which the stupa sits. For the local residents, it’s affectionately known as That Makmo which means Watermelon Stupa because of its dome, which is in a round shape that resembles a watermelon. It has a 35-meter stupa. The style of the temple reflects the influence of the Sinhalese, and is also comparable to Ruwanweliseya Dagoba of Anuradhapura.

History of That Pathum (That Makmo) in Laos

Several accounts have claimed that the temple was built around and in between 1503 to 1515. Records indicate how That Pathum first became known in the 16th century. It really is an exceptional kind of temple. Because of lightning, That Pathum collapsed in 1914. Some of the crystal, bronze, and wooden images of Buddha from the 15th to 16th centuries were recovered and then put on display in the National Museum. After the temple was damaged, the government rebuilt the stupa in 1932, and some of the Buddha images were placed inside during the construction process.

After the restoration of That Pathum, the Black Flag Army destroyed the temple during the invasion of 1887. During this time, many of the prominent Buddha images were either damaged or stolen by the Chinese invaders. The remaining figures were transferred to the Royal Palace Museum for secure safeguarding and maintenance.

That Pathum (That Makmo) –A Tourist Attraction in Laos

Many people are attracted to the unique shape and style of That Phatum. In fact, it’s one of the most Famous Temples in Laos and attracts a great many people from various parts of the world each year to Luang Prabang.

Location of That Pathum (That Makmo) in Laos

That Phatum’s location is just within the compound of Wat Wisunalat which is right next door to another prominent temple in Luang Prabang called Wat Aham.

Admission fee for That Pathum (That Makmo)

It costs 5,000 Kip in the Currency of Laos to enter the temple.