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Mount Phou Si

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Mountain
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Mount Phou Si (Laos)

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Mount Phou Si, meaning 'Sacred Hill', is a prominent 100-meter-high forested elevation situated directly in the heart of the historic city of Luang Prabang. The hill rises steeply from the peninsula formed by the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, acting as both a geographical anchor and the spiritual epicenter of the city. Ascending the hill requires climbing over 300 stone steps shaded by fragrant frangipani trees and lined with various Buddhist shrines. At the summit rests the gleaming golden stupa of Wat Chom Si. The peak is famous for offering a dramatic 360-degree panoramic view of Luang Prabang's temple roofs, the intersecting rivers, and the surrounding distant mountains, making it an incredibly popular gathering spot for watching the sunset.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192224262626252525242119
Rain mm1463162121116219234127562312

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Located right in the heart of Luang Prabang, the main staircases start directly opposite the Royal Palace Museum and near the Nam Khan river.
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Best season
The cooler, drier months between November and February offer the most pleasant weather for climbing the hundreds of steps to the panoramic summit.
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Terrain & paths
The route consists entirely of paved or brick staircases, which are well-maintained but can be quite steep and occasionally slippery after rain.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are usually sufficient; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required for the summit shrines.
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Parking
Given its central location in a highly walkable city, visitors typically arrive on foot, though bicycles or scooters can be parked nearby in town.
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Safety
The steps are generally safe, but there is limited lighting after sunset, so carrying a small flashlight or using a phone light is highly recommended.
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Time needed
Most visitors spend about one to two hours here, typically ascending in the late afternoon to secure a good spot for the popular sunset views.

Geography

Coordinates
19.89000, 102.13500

Facts

  • Located precisely in the center of Luang Prabang.
  • Rises approximately 100 meters above the city.
  • Accessed by climbing a winding path of over 300 steps.
  • Crowned by the golden Wat Chom Si Buddhist stupa.
  • Provides uninterrupted views of the Mekong and Nam Khan.
  • World-renowned vantage point for scenic sunsets.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Royal Palace MuseumRoyal Palace Museum<1 km · WExplore →
Pha Tad Ke Botanical GardenPha Tad Ke Botanical Garden2 km · SExplore →
Luang Prabang SEZLuang Prabang SEZ3 km · NExplore →
Pak Ou CavesPak Ou Caves7 km · NExplore →
Nam Ou ValleyNam Ou Valley10 km · NExplore →
Laos Buffalo DairyLaos Buffalo Dairy10 km · SExplore →
Elephant Village SanctuaryElephant Village Sanctuary12 km · NExplore →
Luang Prabang Butterfly ParkLuang Prabang Butterfly Park16 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mount Phou Si (10)

Night Market

Evening market along the main street, selling textiles, handicrafts, and local snacks.

🕒 17:00-22:00

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos, known for its ornate golden facade.

Wat Pa Houak

Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, featuring a quiet atmosphere and traditional design.

Theatre Phalak-Phalam

Theatre in Luang Prabang, hosting performances of traditional Lao dance and music.

Night Food Market

Evening food market in Luang Prabang, with grilled skewers, noodles, and fruit.

TAEC Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre🏛 museum

Museum dedicated to the arts and culture of Laos' ethnic groups, with rotating exhibits.

Morning Food Market

Early morning market in Luang Prabang, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and local dishes.

Phou Si Mountain

Hill in central Luang Prabang, offering panoramic views of the city and Mekong River.

That Chomsi

Golden stupa atop Phou Si hill, a prominent symbol of Luang Prabang.

Wat Phonxay Sanasongkham

Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, a place of peace and contemplation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many steps to climb Mount Phou Si?
There are two paths with approximately 328 and 355 steps to the summit.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunset is the most popular time, but sunrise is quieter and equally beautiful.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small fee of about 20,000 Kip (as of 2024).
What can you see from the summit?
You have a 360-degree view over Luang Prabang, the Mekong, and the Nam Khan River.
Is there a dress code for Phou Si?
Yes, as there is a temple at the top, shoulders and knees should be covered.
Mount Phou Si: where is it located?
Mount Phou Si is located in Laos.
Mount Phou Si: what is there to see?
Highlights include Night Market, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, Wat Pa Houak.
Mount Phou Si: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.
Mount Phou Si: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Phou Si, meaning 'Sacred Hill', is a prominent 100-meter-high forested elevation situated directly in the heart of the historic city of Luang Prabang.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Luang Prabang — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a historic city in northern Laos.
Nong Khiaw — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is picturesquely situated on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Muang Ngoi — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi is a picturesque riverside village surrounded by towering karst peaks, offering a tranquil escape along the Nam Ou River.

History & landmarks

Royal Palace Museum — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Royal Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Luang Prabang, blending Laotian and French Beaux-Arts architecture.
Mount Phousi — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Mount Phousi
A 100-meter high hill in the center of Luang Prabang offering religious shrines and a panoramic view of the city.
Wat Mai — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Wat Mai
The largest and most richly decorated monastery in Luang Prabang, famous for its gilded reliefs on the front facade.
Wat Visounnarath — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Wat Visounnarath
One of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, known for its unique watermelon-shaped stupa.
Wat Xieng Thong — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Wat Xieng Thong
One of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, famous for its sweeping roof and rich decorations.
Pak Ou Caves — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Pak Ou Caves
Sacred caves along the Mekong where thousands of small and large Buddha statues have been left by pilgrims.

Nature

Nam Khan River — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Nam Khan River
A major tributary of the Mekong River in northern Laos, which flows into the main river at the historical city of Luang Prabang.

More places

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
One of the largest and most richly decorated temples in Luang Prabang, famous for its golden bas-relief work on the facade.
Royal Palace Museum — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Royal Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Luang Prabang, which is now a museum detailing the history of the Laotian monarchy.
Wat Visoun — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Wat Visoun
The oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang, home to the unique watermelon-shaped stupa.
Wat Aham — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Wat Aham
A small but important historical temple in Luang Prabang that was once the center of both animist and Buddhist worship.
Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden
The first botanical garden in Laos, dedicated to preserving the rich flora and ecological learning.
Luang Prabang SEZ — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Luang Prabang SEZ
An economic center under development, aiming to bring light manufacturing and services to the historic and tourism-focused province.
Nam Ou Valley — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Nam Ou Valley
The valley carved by the Nam Ou River, one of the most important rivers in Laos, known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes.
Laos Buffalo Dairy — Mount Phou Si (Laos)
Laos Buffalo Dairy
A socially responsible farm that produces cheese, ice cream, and yogurt from the milk of local water buffaloes.