Phousi Hill: Luang Prabang's Sacred Summit

4.3 (4702)

Climb Luang Prabang's sacred Phousi Hill for breathtaking panoramic views, ancient temples, and a glimpse into Lao culture and history.

Home
Laos
Central Laos
Phousi Hill

Rising 100 meters above Luang Prabang, Phousi Hill, also known as Phu Si ('Sacred Hill'), is a prominent landmark offering panoramic views and housing several Buddhist temples and shrines. Climbing the hill provides a rewarding cultural and spiritual experience, especially at sunrise or sunset.

A brief summary to Phousi Hill

Luang Prabang, LA
Click to display

Monday 6 am-7 pm
Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
Thursday 6 am-7 pm
Friday 6 am-7 pm
Saturday 6 am-7 pm
Sunday 6 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Phousi Hill.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness the monks receiving alms.
Take one stairway up and the other down to experience different cultural sites and viewpoints.
Behave respectfully and dress modestly when visiting the temples and shrines.
Bring water, especially during the hot season, as the climb can be strenuous.
Allow at least two hours for the climb and descent, with stops to see the temples and enjoy the views.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Wat Chom Si

Wat Chom Si: A Spiritual Summit Above Luang Prabang

Wat Pa Huak

Wat Pa Huak: A Hidden Gem of Luang Prabang

L'Etranger Books & Tea

L'Etranger Books & Tea: A Literary Oasis in Luang Prabang

Getting There

Walking

Phousi Hill is centrally located in Luang Prabang and is easily accessible on foot from most areas within the old town. From the Royal Palace Museum, walk directly opposite to find the main stairway entrance. Alternatively, locate Thanon Phousi next to the Nam Khan River to find the other entrance. The climb to the top takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on fitness level and how often you stop. Entrance fee to access the temple area is 20,000 Kip.
Tuk-tuk

If you are coming from outside the city center or prefer not to walk, a tuk-tuk is a convenient option. Tuk-tuks can be found throughout Luang Prabang. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short trip to Phousi Hill from somewhere in Luang Prabang should cost between 10,000 and 15,000 Kip. Ask the driver to drop you off at the base of either stairway entrance. Remember to factor in the 20,000 Kip entrance fee per person to access the temple area.

Discover more about Phousi Hill

Phousi Hill, or Phu Si, is the highest point in Luang Prabang, providing a 360-degree panorama of the town, the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and the surrounding mountains. The hill has been a sacred site for centuries, with ancient legends telling of a Naga (serpent deity) residing there.At the summit sits Wat Chom Si, a golden stupa constructed in 1804 by King Anourat. The temple is an active site for locals, and visitors may see monks and locals making offerings. Along the stairways, vendors sell blessings such as flowers and incense. There is also a smaller grotto that’s home to a large golden Buddha.There are two main stairways to reach the top. The most popular route, with 328 steps, starts opposite the Royal Palace Museum on Sisavongvang Road. The other, with 355 steps, begins next to the Nam Khan River on Thanon Phousi and includes several cultural sites, including Wat Tham Phousi, a cave temple, and various Buddha images.During the Lao New Year (Pimai Festival), Phousi Hill becomes a bustling pilgrimage site. In the early mornings, people in traditional Lao dress climb the mountain with offerings for the alms-giving ceremony. The hill also held strategic importance during the French colonial era, serving as a vantage point.