There is a small charge to enter Pha That Luang, with an additional fee to rent a long skirt for purposes of respect. You don’t need to hire a guide or join a tour, but a good local guide can help introduce you to monks and explain the history of the site.
Pha That Luang is an essential stop on Vientiane city tours, whether by car, tuk-tuk, or bicycle. Travelers with limited time may prefer to visit as part of a Pha That Luang tour that not only includes door-to-door round-trip transfers but also checks in at other sacred sites such as Haw Phra Kaew and Wat Si Saket.