9 Days of Temples 8

That Dam or the Black Stupa (playing in photoshop makes it look purple) is in the centre of Vientiane.  It is overgrown with vegetation and very crumbly.  Legend has it that it was once completely covered in pure gold which was taken by the Thais when they invaded in 1827 and looted and destroyed Vientiane.

It is said to be inhabitated by a seven headed Naga, which protected the people(but obviously not the gold) when the Siamese invaded.