Vat Phou: Ancient Khmer Temple in Southern Laos
Explore Vat Phou, a UNESCO site in Laos, blending Khmer Hindu architecture with Buddhist traditions, offering stunning views and ancient history.
Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex dating back to the 11th-13th centuries, though a temple existed on the site as early as the 5th century. Located in Champasak province, it predates Angkor Wat and offers a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist imagery.
A brief summary to Vat Phou
- RRXG+5X3, Muang Champassak, LA
- +8562091271011
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the dry season (November to March) for cooler weather and easier exploration of the temple complex.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing the stairs to the upper levels of the temple.
- Bring water and sunscreen, as it can get hot, especially during the midday hours.
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the site and appreciate its history and architecture.
- Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise or sunset views.
Getting There
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Tuk-tuk
From Champasak town, hire a tuk-tuk for the 10km journey to Vat Phou. Negotiate the fare beforehand, expect to pay around 20,000 LAK per person. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views of the countryside.
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Motorcycle
Rent a motorcycle in Pakse or Champasak for a flexible trip to Vat Phou. From Pakse, cross the Lao-Nippon bridge and follow Route 16W, turning left after the first checkpoint. From Champasak, follow the signs to Vat Phou. Motorcycle rentals cost approximately 80,000 LAK per day. Factor in about 20,000 LAK for gasoline.
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Public Transport
Take an early morning songthaew from Daoheuang Market in Pakse to Champasak (20,000 LAK). From Champasak, hire a tuk-tuk or rent a bicycle to cover the remaining 10km to Vat Phou. Bicycle rentals cost around 30,000-50,000 LAK per day. Note that songthaews back to Pakse may be limited in the afternoon, requiring an overnight stay in Champasak.
Discover more about Vat Phou
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Emprunte de Buddha
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Buddha footprint
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groupe scolaire de sikeuth
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Residence Bassac
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Chez Maman
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La Folie Lodge
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The River Resort
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Phou Salao
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Champasak Grand Hotel
29.1 km
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Dao-Heuang Group Co.,LTD, Pakse Office
29.3 km
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Intouch Riverside Hotel
29.5 km
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Dao Heuang Market
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KM2 Bus Station
29.8 km
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DREAM RESORT FARM
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Douangdy Plaza
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Unmissable attractions to see
Oum Moung
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Prasat Hong Nang Sida
1.2 km
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Wat Phu Museum
1.4 km
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Mani Cave
4.0 km
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Wat Muang Kang
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Rice Field Trail
11.0 km
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Wat Tomo
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ພູງອຍວິວ
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Tad Koy Loy Far Waterfall
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Bolaven Plateau
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Cliff viewpoint
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Firefly Viewpoint
26.8 km
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Wat Phousalao
27.4 km
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Lao-Nippon Bridge
28.4 km
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Sunset Beach
29.7 km
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Essential places to dine
The View Resort Restaurant
6.9 km
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Noodle Soup Phaphin
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Nakorn River View
8.3 km
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Nakorn Cafe and Restaurant
8.3 km
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Soum Noum Restaurant
8.6 km
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Homemade restaurant
8.7 km
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Saythong Restaurant
9.1 km
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Check-in Restaurant
9.1 km
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Dok Champa Restaurant
9.3 km
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Champasak With Love
9.5 km
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Thongna Sky Café
9.5 km
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ຮ້ານອາຫານທົງນາສະກາຍ
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Runglasthsamee Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
restaurant & supermarket
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ຈຸດບໍລິການລ້າງອັດສີດ
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ຮ້ານນາງແປ໋ງ ຂາຍເຄື່ອງທະເລທຸກປະເພດ
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Boupha Garden Café
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Jarn Xang Café
11.0 km
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YES99 Pakse
28.8 km
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Solbar&Restaurant
28.9 km
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Space X Bar
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Fullmoon
28.9 km
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AIDC CAFE
29.2 km
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Plousio
29.3 km
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GOODViEW Pakse
29.4 km
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29.5 km
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Pig organ grill & beer
29.8 km
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Waivan Heart Beat Pub Pakse
29.8 km
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Bar restaurate pakse
29.8 km
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