Type of destination: Religious Site, Tourist Attraction
Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours
Mount Phousi, standing at 150 meters above sea level, is a well-known hill in the center of the Old Town of Luang Prabang in Laos, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The hill is a local religious site, and atop its summit is the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si, which is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Offering panoramic views of the entire Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi is a popular spot for tourists to watch the sunrise or sunset over the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. To reach the summit, visitors must climb more than 300 steps, passing various temples and shrines along the way. Despite its relatively modest height, the hike to the top is steep in parts, but the effort is rewarded with magnificent vistas. Aside from its spiritual significance, the hill is also home to diverse flora and fauna. Traditional Lao art, architecture, and statues can also be admired during the ascent or descent. Mount Phousi is a peaceful and spiritual place, providing a harmonious blend of natural and man-made beauty, making it a top tourist attraction in Luang Prabang.