Vat Phou
ວັດພູ
A Khmer temple ruin built into the mountainside, several centuries older than Angkor Wat and a core component of the World Heritage 'Champasak Cultural Landscape.'
The temple was founded in the 5th century, and its main structures are in Khmer style from the 11th to 13th centuries. Along the central axis, you climb from the sacred pool at the foot of the mountain, past the north and south palaces and the stone-pillared approach, to the main sanctuary halfway up Phou Kao. The peak behind it resembles a linga, and its spring is regarded as holy water. From the hillside you can look out over the plain and the Mekong River. Admission is about 50,000 to 60,000 kip, which includes an electric cart to the palace area. Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the heat. It is about 40 km from Pakse, and a major festival is held at Vat Phou in February.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (ticket sales until 16:30)
Nearby sights
- Hong Nang Sida
- Champasak Town
- Don Daeng Island
- Uo Moung (Tomo Temple)
- Phou Salao Golden Buddha
- Lao-Nippon Bridge
- Dao Heuang Market
- Wat Luang Pakse