Phou si, Sacred hill in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Phou Si is a 100-meter hill positioned between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in the heart of Luang Prabang's old town. A golden stupa marks the summit, and multiple temples and shrines are scattered across its slopes.
King Anourat ordered the construction of the golden stupa That Chomsi at the summit, completed in 1804. This building turned the hill into an important religious center for the city.
Buddhist temples and shrines sit at different levels on the hill, including a cave shrine called Wat Tham Phou Si where Buddha statues display various hand gestures. These sacred spaces remain active places where local people come to pray and make offerings.
Two separate staircases lead to the summit: one with 328 steps from Sisavangvong Road and another with 355 steps from Thanon Phousi Street. Wear sturdy shoes and be ready for a demanding climb.
From the summit, visitors can see where the two rivers meet and spot the surrounding mountain ranges on clear days. This makes it a natural vantage point over the entire region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Laos features a mix of Buddhist temples, waterfalls, and caves that shape the country's character. Temple complexes such as Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang and Vat Phou in Champasak display religious art and architecture spanning different periods. Natural areas showcase powerful waterfalls like...
Kuang Si Falls
21.9 km
Wat Xieng Thong
1 km
Royal Palace, Luang Prabang
233 m
Pak Ou Caves
19.2 km
Night Market
174 m
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
200 m
Wat Sen
787 m
Tat Sae Waterfalls
10.2 km
Wat Phol Phao
1.6 km
Vat Visounarath
406 m
Wat Manorom
959 m
UXO Visitor's Center
956 m
Wat That Luang
1 km
Wat Pa Huak
114 m
Wat Mahathat
570 m
Wat Syrimoungkoun Xaiyaram
906 m
Wat Pak Khan
1.1 km
Wat Suwanna Khili
1 km
Vat Nong Sikhounmuang
622 m
Wat Sop Sickharam
825 m
Vat Choum Khong
315 m
Wat Phabat Tai
1.5 km
Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center
2.1 km
Wat Long Koon
1.3 km
Wat Aham
348 mPhou Pha Vi
28 kmPhou Nangvang
20.5 km
Wat Phonxay Sanasongkham
419 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes