Wat Phousalao, Southern Laos Travel Guide

4.5 (764)

Discover Wat Phousalao in Pakse: a hilltop Buddhist temple offering stunning Mekong River views and a serene cultural experience.

Wat Phousalao, a Buddhist temple built in 2011 with Japanese aid, sits atop a hill across the Mekong River from Pakse, Laos. It's known for its giant golden Buddha statue and panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Visitors can reach the temple by climbing a long staircase or taking a 4.5km road.

A brief summary to Wat Phousalao

ບ້ານສະເຫຼົ້າ ເມືອງໂພນທອງ ແຂວງຈຳປາສັກ, Pakse, LA
Click to display

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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best light for photography.
Dress modestly when visiting the temple to show respect for the sacred space.
Take your time to explore the temple grounds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views of the Mekong River and Pakse.

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

National Museum

Patuxay - Victory Monument

Pha That Luang Vientiane

Pak Ou Caves

Explore Wat Phousalao on the Map

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

Getting There

Walking

If you are in central Champasak, start at the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. From the museum, head east on the main road (Route 13) towards the Mekong River. Continue walking for about 1 kilometer until you reach the bridge over the river. Cross the bridge and follow the road that leads uphill towards Wat Phousalao. The temple is situated on the hill, so be prepared for a steep walk. Once you reach the top, you will see the large Buddha statue and the temple complex.
Tuk-Tuk

Find a tuk-tuk in the central area of Pakse. Negotiate a fare with the driver to take you to Wat Phousalao, located on a hill near Pakse. The ride will take approximately 15 minutes. Typical tuk-tuk fares from Pakse city center to Wat Phousalao range from 50,000 to 80,000 LAK, depending on your negotiation skills. Once you arrive, the driver can drop you off at the foot of the hill. From there, it is a short walk uphill to reach the temple.

Discover more about Wat Phousalao

Wat Phousalao, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is a relatively modern temple complex that embodies the essence of Laotian Buddhism and cultural heritage. Perched on a hill overlooking Pakse and the Mekong River, the temple offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views. The temple's name translates to "Wat Phou of the Salao tree," honoring a Salao tree that once stood on the hill and holds religious significance in Buddhism.The temple is adorned with ornate Buddhist statues and colorful prayer flags, providing a serene sanctuary for locals and travelers alike. The centerpiece is a giant golden Buddha statue looking out over the city. Visitors can explore beautifully adorned halls filled with intricate murals and statues that narrate stories from Buddhist teachings. The atmosphere is peaceful, inviting visitors to reflect and meditate amidst the gentle sounds of nature.Climbing to the top of the Buddha statue offers a wide field of vision, allowing visitors to overlook the entire city. The temple is a popular destination for tourists seeking scenic vistas and cultural experiences in Laos. It serves as a cultural hub where one can engage with the local traditions and practices of Buddhism.