Mount Phou Si

Mount Phou Si rises about 100 metres from the flat peninsula of the old town, and the 300-plus steps to the top reward you with one of the finest views in Southeast Asia: the Mekong curving below, the Nam Khan to the east, and the surrounding mountains stretching in every direction. The gilded stupa at the summit is visible from throughout the town.

Sunset draws crowds — arrive 30 to 40 minutes early if you want a good spot on the summit terrace. The path up passes several shrines and small temples, and there are shoe vendors at the base as shoes must be removed at the top. There is a small admission fee. The sunrise view from the summit is just as beautiful and far less crowded.

things to do sight
A story
The gilded stupa at the summit — That Chomsi — was built in 1804. During the Lao New Year festival in April, a procession of monks and laity carries the sacred Phra Bang image up these same steps. The mountain has also been used as an observation post in every conflict involving Luang Prabang, most recently by Pathet Lao forces taking up position above the town in 1975 before the monarchy was abolished.