Wat Phu Temple, Champasak Province: World Heritage Site in Southern Laos

#Get a discount without relying on luck **Review of traveling to "Vat Phu Temple" in Champasak: World Heritage of Southern Laos** When it comes to places you can't miss in Southern Laos, **"Vat Phu Temple"** is one of the world heritage sites that perfectly reflects the ancient Khmer civilization and natural beauty. It is located in Champasak, about 6 kilometers from the city, on the hill of Phu Kwai (Phu Klao), which was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. ### **Travel** - **From Thailand**: Most start at Ubon Ratchathani → Take a van to the Chong Mek border → Pass through the immigration checkpoint → Continue to Pakse or Champasak, where you can rent a car or take a local bus (about 43 km). - **Within Laos**: From Pakse, drive across the Mekong River to Champasak, which takes 1 hour, or take a local bus that provides regular service. ### **Highlights of Wat Phu Temple** 1. **Ancient Khmer architecture**: Built in the 12th Buddhist century to offer to Shiva, the ancient Angkor Wat has a walkway of female columns. The pavilion and the Gopura (gateway) are symbolically divided into levels. 2. **Sacred Well**: The top floor of the castle has underground water seeping from the mountain. It is believed to be sacred. Lao people like to sprinkle water over their heads for good luck. 3. **Champasak Viewpoint**: The top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of the city, especially in the morning when the mountain is covered with a thin layer of fog. 4. **Trimurti Sculpture**: Behind the castle are sculptures of the five-headed Shiva, Brahma, and Narayana, reflecting Shaivism. ### **Activities and Festivals** - **Wat Phu Annual Fair**: Held in February (full moon day of the third lunar month), there are local rituals and cultures to see. - **Historical Walk**: The museum near the entrance (closed on some days) provides information on past sacrifices, such as the sacrifice of young women. ### **Things not to miss in Champasak** - **French-style buildings**: Walk around the village of Wat Amat And take pictures with colonial architecture - **Local food**: Fish salad, Lao papaya salad, and fresh cherry snails from the Mekong River, sold along the way up to the castle - **Boutique accommodation**: such as Inthira Champasak Hotel ### **Additional advice** - **Prepare**: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, a down jacket (the weather is cold on the mountain), and a sun hat - **Entrance fee**: 50,000 kip (~230 baht) for foreigners - **Best time**: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong sun and watch the golden light reflecting off the castle rocks **Summary**: Wat Phu Temple is not only a historical site, but also a place that perfectly connects nature and beliefs. It is suitable for tourists who love to walk with local culture and want to experience Laos in a quiet corner but also with the greatness of civilization. 🏞️