Situated in the heart of the old town peninsula with one side bordered by the Mekong River while another side covered by the Nam Khan River, mount Phou Si, also written Mount Phu Si, is a 100m high hill in the heart of the old town of Luang Prabang. The hill is regarded as a local religious site housing various Buddhist shrines.

Mount Phu Si

Midway going up to the hill, tourists will have a chance to watch Wat Tham Phou Si, a Buddhist temple overlooking the Nam Khan. On climbing to the top of the hill, Wat Chom Si, which overlooks the town and neighboring countryside is also a Buddhist temple and a tourist highlight of Luang Prabang is what they can catch a sight of. Travel Indochina Laos

Apart from being the geographical center of the city, the Phousi (Sacred Hill) is also regarded as the spiritual centre of the city. Once thought to have used to lodge a powerful naga who lived in its internals, the hill is also considered as a represent on small scale of Mount Meru, the Mount Olympus of Hindu-Buddhist science. Though there is nothing to see on the hill itself, Phousi is striking from a distance if you take an ancient-looking sim at its foot.

Buddha statues

Moreover, if you are arriving by boat or plane, you will catch the first glimpse at the golden spires of That Chomsi at its peak. Similarly, the summit offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city it encompasses, and the glittering rivers and jungle-coated mountains beyond are hypnotizing. Admiring the setting sun from the summit of Phousi especially in the early morning when the city and the hill are the most peaceful has become a kind of tourist ritual. Therefore, you seem not to have a chance to enjoy the moment alone.

There are three ways to get access to the summit. Going through the stairway directly facing up the main gate of the Royal Palace Museum is the first and most straightforward approach. A zigzag stairway flanked by whitewashed naga on the other side of the hill which can be used for going down to Phousi Road is the second way. The third and most complicated approach is via Wat Pha Phoutthabat near northern foot of Phousi.

300 steps

Conveniently situated at the peak of Mount Phousi, Wat That Chomsi has become a symbol of Luang Prabang’s spiritual importance to Laos. The Stupa is approachable after climbing the 300 steps when all the way up the hill includes several temples, beautiful shady trees and a stunning view of the river.

Enjoying a 360° panoramic view of the town at the terrace at the foot of the stupa is exactly a must do activity, especially during the sunset when the golden Stupa shines the final light rays on one of its face.

Travel lovers.

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