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Time to enjoy your trip with the magnificent view from Phousi mountain. This is a favored landmark for any prior visitor. Find out more information about Phousi mountain in Luang Prabang (Laos ) in this article. In addition, you can read more Luang Prabang travel guide to know more interesting things.
Phousi mountain overview
Geography
Phousi Mountain, also spelled Phu Si, is considered a must-see for any visitor to Luang Prabang. Mount Phousi is nestled in the heart of the aged town of Luang Prabang. More specifically, this hill is located on a peninsula-edged Nam Khan river and Mekong river. The mountain has a gentle slope with over 300 stairs of red brick and is only about 100m tall.
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Spectacular sunrise & sunset in Phousi mountain
You will be surprised with epic views of the mountain, both sunrise and sunset are treasured moments to capture accompanied by the fragrant white frangipani or red royal poinciana flowers scattered on the staircase, depending on the season.
The top of the mountain provides a bird’s-eye view of peaceful Luang Prabang, nestled in a valley and cradled by the leisurely flows of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The curved roofs of the Royal Palace Museum at the foot of the mountain are barely visible beneath the blooming golden shower trees.
How to get to Phousi mountain?
- Transportation: Tourists can walk there if your hotel is near. In Laos, there is hardly have taxi so you can take tuk tuk, bicycle from your stopover, or public transportation like a bus.
- Opening hour: 6 am – To enable visitors to enjoy the sunset from the top, there is no set closing time.
- Entrance fee: 20.000Kip/person (1.16USD). Free for children under 7.
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How to get to the top of Phousi mountain?
There are two stairs to the highest place on Phousi Mountain.
- The first staircase rises in front of the Royal Palace Museum on Sisavongvang Road, which is also the location of the night market. Due to the shorter distance, it is frequently preferred to take the 328-step path to the top. On the other hand, there are no picturesque activities along this path.
- The second route to the peak starts close to the Nam Khan river. While it takes a little longer and has 355 steps, this route leads to several significant cultural sites. Half of this trip passes by Wat Tham Phousi. It’s recommended to take your time on this road to take it all in because there are several breathtaking picturesque overlooks across Luang Prabang and the two rivers.
Phousi mountain and its two Buddhist temples
Temple Wat Chom Si
Wat Chom Si is located at the top of the hill, providing views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It’s an 1804-era golden pagoda with a seven-tiered parasol standing atop the hill. This temple was built by King Anourat, and get renovated in 1914. A modest viharn with a sizable statue of the Buddha seated sits next to the stupa. Much of Luang Prabang can see the golden Chomsi on top of the hill dancing in the sunlight.
Read more: 12 FAMOUS TEMPLES IN LUANG PRABANG
Temple Wat Tham Phousi
Buddhist temple Wat Tham Phou Si is located halfway up the hill through the longer staircases, looking out over the Nam Khan. This is a tiny cave temple located in the core of a mountain. There are two Buddha statues in it, one standing and one lying down. The statue of the lying Buddha with the legend of Buddha Tuesday is the most widely known one here. A little cave that is filled with pictures is also visible. Along the ascent, in addition to these pagodas, you can see some Buddha footprints, multi-headed serpents, and statues of the monk praying for rain, meditating, or holding alms bowls.
Read more: THE TEMPLES – PHA THAT LUANG, THE NATIONAL SYMBOL OF LAOS
Tips when traveling to Phousi mountain
Even when Phousi mountain’s height is average, tourists should prefer a hat, drink, and insect repellent.
For the early birds, it’s also possible to witness the sunrise from the top of the mountain – and also to avoid the crowds at sunset. It’s best to arrive at 4:30, before dawn, just in case many others get the same idea. However, the sunset on Phousi Mountain is still considerably more beautiful.
Even at 6 pm, the sky will still be light with white clouds floating on endless blue. With patience, visitors will get to see the golden glow of sunset reflecting off of Chomsi Tower, gilding the Mekong River, and dyeing the entire scenery in its hue. Most people sit on the tower itself, armed with smartphones and cameras, waiting for the fleeting precious moments to arrive; to enjoy it in the space of half an hour and capture it forever. After the sun has set, you can hurry down the mountain for the night market that has just begun trading.
Visitors are advised to treat the sacred Buddhist site with respect: no alcohol, rowdy behavior, or inappropriate clothing is allowed.
Read more: WAT SI SAKET – THE TEMPLE WITH THE MOST ANCIENT STATUES IN VIENTIANE – LAOS
Recommended destinations in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang night market
You need to know that the Luang Prabang night market starts from 6 pm to 10 pm. So right after watching the sunset, this is the perfect stop to recharge your batteries. Here, you may have a fantastic evening browsing the lovely souvenirs, indulging in some delectable cuisine, and shopping until you drop by. Locals and visitors mix while appreciating the local culture and handicrafts. Everyone congregates in one place to chat, talk, eat, and shop.
Kuang Si falls
The distance between the city of Luang Prabang, the former capital, and Kuang Si Waterfall is only 30 kilometers. This is a jewel of Laos. Visitors are drawn by a stunning natural pool with stone stairs and blue water at the bottom that is tucked away in the heart of an expansive and wild jungle. Three waterfalls make up the Kuang Si complex, the largest of which is the main waterfall, which is around 60 meters high and has water flowing down from above, making a stunning scene.
Luang Prabang Royal Palace museum
Haw Kham, another name for the Royal Palace Museum, will offer you Lao history and culture. The museum, which was once the king’s home, was built in the French Beaux-Arts style with numerous delicate nods to traditional Lao culture.
Notice: before entering the showrooms, you must pay the entrance fee and leave your shoes, bags, and any camera equipment in the lockers (free of charge).
Haw Pha bang temple
The Royal or Palace Chapel, also known as the Haw Pha Bang (Ho Pha Bang), is situated in the northeastern portion of the Royal Palace Museum’s grounds. It is a brand-new building, yet it is constructed traditionally, and it is closely related to the history and customs of this World Heritage City.
During the reign of Sisavang Vatthana in 1963, construction on this permanent resting site for the Pha Bang began (1959-1975). The majority of its exterior and interior surfaces are decorated with gold and glass, giving it a very extravagant appearance. Its overall impact is increased by a series of naga-flanked staircases and a complex, multi-faceted roof structure.
Does the above information about Phousi mountain make you excited about the trip? Come as soon as you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature
