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Phousi Hill: Luang Prabang's Sacred Summit

Ascend Luang Prabang's sacred Phousi Hill for panoramic views, ancient temples, and a glimpse into Lao spirituality. A must-see destination!

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Phousi Hill, also known as Mount Phousi, is a 100-meter-high hill in the heart of Luang Prabang, Laos, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. A climb to the summit reveals temples, shrines, and the iconic Wat Chom Si stupa, making it a spiritually significant and visually stunning experience.

A brief summary to Phousi Hill

Local tips

  • Choose the Thanon Phousi stairway for a more scenic climb with multiple viewpoints and cultural sites.
  • Arrive early for sunrise or late afternoon for sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb, and bring water to stay hydrated.
  • Dress modestly out of respect for the religious sites along the way.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Phousi Hill is centrally located in Luang Prabang and easily accessible on foot from most areas in the old town. From the Royal Palace Museum, walk directly opposite to find the main stairway entrance. Alternatively, from the Nam Khan River, locate Thanon Phousi to find the second stairway. The entrance fee is 20,000 Kip (approximately $2.50 USD), payable at a booth about halfway up the main stairway.

  • Tuk-tuk

    If starting from outside the city center, a tuk-tuk ride to Phousi Hill is a convenient option. Negotiate the fare beforehand, with typical costs ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 Kip (approximately $1.30 to $2 USD) for a short trip within Luang Prabang. Ask to be dropped off at either the Royal Palace Museum or Thanon Phousi, depending on your preferred stairway. The entrance fee to Phousi Hill is 20,000 Kip, payable on the way up.

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Discover more about Phousi Hill

Rising 100 meters above the peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, Phousi Hill is a prominent landmark in Luang Prabang. Known as the 'sacred mountain,' it holds deep spiritual importance for the Lao people. The climb to the summit is an integral part of the Luang Prabang experience, with two main stairways leading to the top. The most popular route, with 328 steps, starts opposite the Royal Palace Museum and offers a quicker, though less scenic, ascent. The second route, featuring 355 steps, begins near the Nam Khan River on Thanon Phousi and provides more viewpoints and cultural sites along the way, including golden Buddha images. At the summit sits Wat Chom Si, a temple constructed in 1804, featuring a 20-meter-high golden stupa. This active Buddhist site provides a 360-degree panorama of Luang Prabang, the rivers, and the surrounding mountains. Sunset views from here are particularly breathtaking, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Along the way, visitors can explore other attractions such as Wat Tham Phousi, a small cave temple, reclining Buddhas, and various Buddha images. Phousi Hill's history is intertwined with Luang Prabang's royal legacy and cultural heritage. Legend tells of Prince Phousi, who sought refuge on the hill and whose story is celebrated annually. Climbing Phousi Hill is more than just a physical ascent; it's an immersion into the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang.

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