Wat Chomphet, Mekong River Valley Travel Guide

4 (64)

Discover Wat Chomphet in Luang Prabang: A serene hilltop temple offering stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into local life.

Wat Chomphet, built in 1888, sits atop a hill across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. While the temple itself is somewhat dilapidated, the serene atmosphere and panoramic vistas make it a worthwhile visit.

A brief summary to Wat Chomphet

W42Q+65V, Luang Prabang, LA
Click to display

Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take the local ferry across the Mekong River for an authentic and inexpensive experience.
Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a beautiful sunset view over Luang Prabang.
Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as this is a religious site.
Bring cash in Lao Kip for the ferry, entrance fee, and any snacks or drinks you may want to purchase.

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 about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Khon Phapheng Falls

Pha That Luang Vientiane

Phousi Hill

Patuxay - Victory Monument

Explore Wat Chomphet on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Wat Chomphet, mapped for you.

Getting There

Ferry and Walking

From Luang Prabang city center, proceed to the Mekong River. Take the local car ferry from the main boat landing (Tha Heua Luang, behind the Royal Palace Museum) across the Mekong River to Ban Xieng Maen. The ferry costs 5,000-10,000 LAK per person. Upon arrival in Ban Xieng Maen, walk through the village, following the signs to Wat Chomphet. The walk is approximately 1 kilometer and takes about 15-25 minutes. From the village, climb the 123 steps to reach the temple. The entrance fee to Wat Chomphet is 20,000 LAK.
Tuk-Tuk

From Luang Prabang, hire a tuk-tuk for a round trip to Wat Chomphet. Negotiate the price beforehand, typically around 24,000 LAK. The tuk-tuk will take you to the ferry landing. After crossing the Mekong River on the ferry (5,000-10,000 LAK per person), the tuk-tuk can either wait for you or you can arrange a pick-up time. From the ferry landing on the other side of the river, there will be a walk of approximately 1 kilometer to the base of the temple. Then climb the 123 steps to reach Wat Chomphet. The entrance fee to Wat Chomphet is 20,000 LAK.

Discover more about Wat Chomphet

Wat Chomphet (or Wat Chom Phet, full name Wat Chomphet Satni Silimoungknoun Vaxi Alram) is a Buddhist temple located on a hilltop in the Chomphet District, across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang. Constructed in 1888 by the Thai army, the temple provides breathtaking views of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.To reach the temple, visitors take a short ferry ride across the Mekong River, followed by a walk through Ban Xieng Maen village. A climb of approximately 123 steps leads to the temple platform. The temple complex includes two aging pagodas. The temple is in a state of disrepair, though restoration efforts have begun.Wat Chomphet offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city center and a glimpse into rural Laotian life. The site is particularly recommended for sunset viewing, offering a less crowded alternative to Phousi Hill. Visitors should dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.