Buddhist temple, Tourist attraction
Wat Chom Si
Crowning the summit of Mount Phousi, this golden stupa from 1804 gives the widest view in Luang Prabang, taking in the old city, the Royal Palace, the Mekong and the mountains beyond.
The story
King Anourat ordered the temple built in 1804, and it was restored in 1914. From its terrace the view runs all the way round: the old town, the Royal Palace and National Museum, the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the old French bridge and the green hills that ring the city. At sunset the summit fills with people settling in around the temple to watch the light go. Two main routes climb the hill. The direct stairway opposite the National Museum is long and steep. The gentler approach from the north side, opposite Cafe Toui, passes a small wat where monks work, naga steps leading to a large golden Buddha in a half cave, a group of statues including a reclining Buddha and the Tuesday and Saturday Buddhas, and an imprint of the Buddha's foot.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Bring water and wear good shoes, as the stairs up to the summit are long and steep.
- ✦For an easier, more varied climb past shrines and statues, start from the north side opposite Cafe Toui.
- ✦Sunset draws crowds to the hilltop, while around midday the temple can be quiet and nearly empty.
