Mount phousi is the highest point in Luang Prabang (Laos). Mount Phousi is the ideal place for visitors to view the panoramic landscape of the romantic capital of the Mekong River.
(Source: the internet)
Mount Phousi is located in the heart of Luang Prabang, next to Sisavangvong Road and opposite the Royal Palace Museum. In Lao, “phou” or “phousi” means mountain. The Lao people told us that, if you have not been to the top of Phousi, it means that you have not come to Luang Prabang.
Sisavangvong Road at the foot of Phousi Mountain is one of the old streets of the former capital Luang Prabang. Perhaps, the most beautiful moment on Mount Phousi is when the sunset dulls both the old capital of Luang Prabang and the Mekong, either in the early morning when the sun is up … The ideal time in a day tourists can visit Mount Phousi is in early morning.
(Source: the internet)
To get to the top of Mount Phousi, there are two roads, one road from the main street and another way from the mountain. Normally, you will choose to follow the 328 steps of red brick steps between the two white railing on Sisavangvong Road and return to the mountain road. Passing through 328 steps, tourists will reach the top of Mount Phousi. Whatever way you go, you have to buy a ticket of 20.000 kip per person. Winding treaded and sloping gentle steps will lift your feet. You can take a break and look at the flowers along the way to forget the fatigue. That Chomsi Temple is the highest and most central temple of Luang Prabang.
Soon you reached the top of Mount Phousi. The first image that you feel is the whole capital, like the miniature at the foot of the mountain. Luang Prabang is showing up with a beautiful charm! From here, you can zoom out to the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is both beautiful and magnificent splendidly interwoven with each tile roof is the dark green coconut.
Normally, at the top of Mount Phousi, visitors do not forget to visit the temple and ask for a card. That Chomsi Temple looks small but enough for dozens of people to attend the ceremony with many Buddha images of “The land of A Million Elephants”.
Some Lao people also come to the ceremony, they often buy some bird cages to worship and release. In the concept of indigenous people, release birds with the meaning of neutralize the bad things go and wish things will come true, and bless a happy life. The Lao people often buy some offerings before entering the temple. Bird cages are prepared to set free to dispel the unlucky and expect good things. Coming at the top of Mount Phousi, tourists can ask for a lot to get luck.
(Source: the internet)
Next to the Mekong River, we will see two mountains. According to the legend of the Lao people, there were 2 lovers but they cannot get together, so they suicide together. People do not know ever since these two mountains have become the legendary story of beautiful love of the Lao people.
In the opposite direction, the Nam Khan River is gentle, concentrating 14 large and small flows to the Mekong River. This is a very important source of water for people on both sides of the river for cultivating and living.
On the way down the mountain, you will pass through the Wat That Chomsi population, there are many statues representing the days in a week. You can rely on the day you were born to see which Buddha corresponded to you. Each statue has different postures and meanings.
Just take a day to see Mount Phousi. Then, you will feel for yourself an ancient capital that still preserves the beauty of tradition and is always attractive by the natural beauty and splendor.
Mount Phousi:
– Location: above the centre of Luang Prabang; between Thanon Sisavangvong and Thanon Phousi.
– Opening time: no set opening hours, but you should visit in daytime (before 06:00 pm).
Explore more article: Luang Prabang Elephant Camp; Huean Chan House; Tad Sae Waterfall; Wat Aham; Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham temple; Luang Prabang night market; Ban Xang Khong weaving village; Wat Visoun; Wat Long Khoun; Wat Xieng Thong; Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang; Pak Ou cave; Kuang Si waterfall; Alms giving ceremony
