Phousi Hill: Luang Prabang's Sacred Summit

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Discover panoramic views and ancient temples atop Luang Prabang's sacred Phousi Hill, a cultural and spiritual landmark offering unforgettable sunsets.

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Phousi Hill

Ascend Phousi Hill in Luang Prabang for panoramic views and a spiritual experience. This sacred site features temples, shrines, and the iconic That Chomsi stupa, offering a glimpse into Lao culture and breathtaking sunsets.

A brief summary to Phousi Hill

Luang Prabang, LA
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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.

Climb Phousi Hill in the early morning to avoid crowds and witness the sunrise over Luang Prabang.
Take one stairway up and the other down to experience the different viewpoints and cultural sites along the way.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to climb before sunrise, as the steps can be dark.
Dress modestly, as Phousi Hill is a sacred site with temples and religious statues.
Purchase flowers or incense from vendors along the stairways to offer at the temples and statues.

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Getting There

Walking

Phousi Hill is centrally located in Luang Prabang, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the town. From the Royal Palace Museum, head directly across Sisavangvong Road to the base of the main stairway. Alternatively, from the Nam Khan River, locate the stairway on Thanon Phousi. The climb to the top takes approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on your pace. Entrance fee is 20,000 Kip, payable about halfway up the stairs.
Tuk-tuk

If you prefer not to walk, tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Luang Prabang. A short tuk-tuk ride to the base of Phousi Hill from anywhere in the town center should cost between 10,000 and 15,000 Kip. Specify which set of stairs you'd like to start from (either the Royal Palace Museum side or the Nam Khan River side). Remember to negotiate the price before starting your journey. Entrance fee to Phousi Hill is 20,000 Kip per person, payable about halfway up the stairs.

Discover more about Phousi Hill

Phousi Hill, also known as Mount Phousi, stands as a prominent landmark in the heart of Luang Prabang, Laos. Rising approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above the town, this sacred hill offers visitors a unique blend of cultural immersion and stunning panoramic views. The name 'Phousi' translates to 'Sacred Mountain,' reflecting its importance to the Lao people.For centuries, Phousi Hill has been a site of religious significance, adorned with temples, shrines, and Buddhist statues. Pilgrims and tourists alike ascend its slopes to pay homage and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. The summit is crowned by That Chomsi, a gleaming golden stupa built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourat. This iconic structure has a seven-tiered parasol and is visible from much of Luang Prabang.The climb to the top involves navigating a series of steps, with two main stairways leading to the summit. The most popular route, located opposite the Royal Palace Museum on Sisavangvong Road, consists of 328 steps. A second stairway, with 355 steps, begins next to the Nam Khan River on Thanon Phousi and offers scenic viewpoints and cultural sites along the way. Along this path, you'll encounter a small cave temple called Wat Tham Phousi, housing a reclining Buddha and other religious images.Reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Luang Prabang, the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and the surrounding mountains. The narrow platform near Wat Chom Si is a popular spot to witness the sunset, as the golden light reflects off the temples and bathes the landscape in warm hues.Legend has it that Phousi Hill was once home to a powerful Naga, a part-human, part-serpent deity in Buddhist and Hindu belief. Today, Phousi Hill remains a living testament to Lao culture, attracting visitors who seek spiritual solace and panoramic beauty.