Phu Si

Lonely Planet review

Phu Si dominates the town skyline. It stands towards the middle of the peninsula formed by the confluence of the two rivers. Since it is visible from any point in town, Phu Si serves as a very helpful 'beacon' for orientating yourself. Most of the historic temples are located between Phu Si and the Mekong, while the trading district lies to the south of the hill.

The temples on the upper slopes of 100m-high Phu Si were recently constructed, but it is likely there were once other temples located on this important hill site. There is an excellent view of town from the top of the hill. The fee to climb to the summit of the hill is collected at the northern entrance.

On the lower slopes of the hill are some of the oldest (and now abandoned) temples in Luang Prabang: Wat Pa Huak, That Chomsi and Wat Pha Phutthabaht. Wat Pa Huak has a carved wood and mosaic façade showing Buddha riding Airavata, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology, while That Chomsi is the starting point for a colourful Lao New Year procession in mid-April.