The renovation of Pha That Luang, the golden stupa in the centre of Vientiane, is expected to be completed before the annual That Luang festival in November 2017.

The Vientiane Times reported an official with Lao capital’s Information, Culture & Tourism Department as saying that work on the main structure of the stupa is now complete.

The highlight of the project was the placing of 9kg of gold leaf atop the main stupa. This was completed last November to mark the 450th anniversary of the structure’s original construction.

The restoration began in September 2016 and is expected to cost approximately LAK15 billion (US$1.8 million), funded by government money and private investments.

Pha That Luang is one of the most famous monuments in Laos and a national icon.