Phousi Hill
Phousi Hill things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Mount Phou Si, also written Mount Phu Si, is a 100 m high hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang in Laos. It lies in the heart of the old town peninsula and is bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the other side by the Nam Khan River.
attractions: Luang Prabang Night Market, Royal Palace, Luang Prabang morning market, UXO Lao Visitor Center, Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Garden of Eden Luang Pra Bang, Wat Wisunarat, Gelato del Lao, MyBanLao Hotel, Haw Pha Bang, restaurants: Manda de Laos, Le Banneton Café & French Bakery, Dyen Sabai Restaurant, Popolo, Restaurant, Two Little Birds Cafe, BOUANG Asian Eatery, Tangor Restaurant Bar & Lounge, La Silapa Italian & Lao Kitchen, Khaiphaen, Pasaniyom Traditional Café
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Description
Mount Phou Si, also written Mount Phu Si, is a 100 m high hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang in Laos. It lies in the heart of the old town peninsula and is bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the other side by the Nam Khan River.
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Nestled in the heart of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos, Phousi Hill stands tall, beckoning adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. This magnificent hill is not just a physical ascent; it is a journey through spirituality, history, and breathtaking vistas. Ascending Phousi Hill is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. Begin your journey from one side of the hill, where a relatively easier path with around 300 steps awaits. As you make your way up, take in the lush surroundings, adorned with trees and vibrant flora that provide a serene ambiance. The climb may test your stamina, but the rewards are more than worth it. Reaching the top of Phousi Hill is a moment of triumph. Prepare to be mesmerized by the panoramic spectacle that unfolds before your eyes. The commanding view encompasses the majestic Mekong River, the charming city of Luang Prabang, and the lush green landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Allow yourself to be captivated by the natural beauty and the harmonious fusion of urban and rural elements that define this enchanting destination. Try to descend Phousi Hill from the other side of the stupa, where a world of spiritual wonders awaits. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous Buddha statues, each emanating a sense of peace and tranquility. Take a moment to appreciate the intricacies of the craftsmanship and the devotion that went into their creation. The highlight of this spiritual journey is the sight of the Sleeping Buddha, an awe-inspiring representation of serenity and enlightenment. If fortune smiles upon you during your descent, you may witness a magical moment: the ringing of the bell. According to local belief, the act of ringing the bell brings good luck and blessings to those who hear it. Listen closely as the sound reverberates through the air, echoing the spiritual resonance of the hill and adding a touch of mysticism to your adventure. To embark on this unforgettable adventure, you'll need an entry ticket, which costs around 20 Kip. As you embark on your climb, wear comfortable shoes, wear a hat, put plenty of sunscreen, and carry water, and be mindful of the weather conditions. Conclusion: Climbing Phousi Hill in Luang Prabang is an experience that marries physical exertion, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. From the moment you set foot on the steps until you reach the summit, you'll be enthralled by the sights and sounds that surround you. Take your time, absorb the spirituality that emanates from every nook and cranny, and allow the breathtaking view from the top to etch itself into your memory. Phousi Hill is a testament to the rich heritage of Luang Prabang and a testament to the magnificence of nature. Embark on this adventure, and you'll be rewarded with an experience that transcends the ordinary and leaves an indelible mark on your soul
Lina EryaniLina Eryani
00
Great spot to enjoy and photograph the sunset - but go early. Sunset was at 6:05pm during our visit and we started up at 4:50pm. We arrived at the top in about 8min. When we reached the summit it was already pretty busy. Eventually it was so crowded we were pinned in by people at all sides and couldn’t really move. Frankly, some people can be quite obnoxious and really crowd you or blatantly block the view of others. As soon as the sun has set, it cleared right out. Tip: the best sunset colours aren’t evident until about 20 - 40 minutes after the sun actually sets, so stick around after most people have bailed out for a more comfortable experience. But if you do this be aware that the stairs aren’t lit for most of the way down, so if you have issues with night vision be sure to have a headlamp or small flashlight (you iPhone light will work in a pinch) for the walk down. If you’re going for sunset don’t drink too much before hand, we didn’t notice public washrooms on top and once the place is crowded you aren’t going anywhere until the crowd starts to clear. There is no opportunity to purchase water so bring something to sip. There is a ticket booth at the start of the walk. It costs 20.000 kip per person. The stairs up are well maintained and safe. The walk isn’t very steep and isn’t very long. However, you should know your fitness level as some people were really struggling and had to rest two or three times. There is a temple at the top and beautiful statuary along the way. There are also two other nice viewpoints. You might want a little extra time for photos before the sunset crowds arrive. There’s a terrace before the ticket booth which makes for a great place to photograph the night market. Worth doing, just be prepared for the unpleasant atmosphere.
Culinary SlutCulinary Slut
50
The Hill is officially open from 6am and there is no real closing time, take care if climbing in the dark. The main stairway up is behind the Royal Palace Museum on Sisavangvong road and after walking a little up the hill there will be a booth to purchase your tickets. Entrance is 20,000 KIP (just over $2). There are two different entrances to Phousi Hill, the other on Phousi Road. We recommend walking up one way and down another in order to make the most of the experience. A climb up the 355-step stairway to the summit rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Luang Prabang’s picturesque landscape. Whether it’s witnessing the sunrise or the sunset, the views of the town, rivers, and surrounding mountains are awe-inspiring and make the ascent well worth the effort. Many visitors gather at the summit to witness the sun casting its warm, golden glow over Luang Prabang in the early morning or the captivating hues of dusk settling over the town in the evening.
Luka PaulosLuka Paulos
20
the walk up the stairs is tough. take some water with you. the shrines on the way are beautiful. sometimes you can exchange some words with the monks which are very interested if you sre able to speak some laotian words. the view from the top is beautiful on each side. the size and power of the mekong river is breath taking. make sure you get up there early and stand your ground for watching the sunset. later there will be hundreds of other tourist. most of them not respecting the sacred place. shouting around, smoking, leaving trash on the ground. disgusting behavior... unfortunately as in many other places these days. please respect the culture and religion of the places you visit. be kind to each other. if you want to feel like at home: STAY HOME!
Bruno BaechtoldBruno Baechtold
00
Best place for panoramic views of Luang Prabang and its picturesque verdant mountains. Good for either sunrise or sunset. The climb is not very difficult and the hilltop can be reached in 20 minutes from the entrance in front of the Royal Palace. There is one other entrance along the banks of the Nam Khan River. It hosts temples but are not as remarkable as the ones downtown. The admission fee is quite a turn off, especially since the place does not look particularly well-maintained and does not even offer any kind of conveniences, such as clean restrooms. They don’t even provide tickets for those who wish to come back on the same day. And then there’s the blatant request for donations at the temples. One is left wondering where all the money goes.
G AquinoG Aquino
10
Unfortunately, it was hazy so there was nothing much to see during the sunset. It was not very crowded, probably because of the haze. Nice high view of the city where buildings are generally no higher than 2 floors. I can only imagine how much more mystical the view would have been hundreds of years ago when Luang Prabang was chosen to be the capital of the old kingdom. It was a nice little exercise to climb up the stairs. I went by the side entrance in front of the Nam Khan River (instead of the entrance near the night market), hence managed to see a few statues on the way up and down. There is a counter on the way up to pay the entrance fee of 20,000 kip. There are dustbins at the top and a little stall selling drinks and chips.
AngieAngie
00
Nearby Attractions Of Phousi Hill
Luang Prabang Night Market
Royal Palace
Luang Prabang morning market
UXO Lao Visitor Center
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
Garden of Eden Luang Pra Bang
Wat Wisunarat
Gelato del Lao
MyBanLao Hotel
Haw Pha Bang
Luang Prabang Night Market
4.3
(2.1K)Click for details
Royal Palace
4.1
(940)Click for details
Luang Prabang morning market
4.4
(855)Click for details
UXO Lao Visitor Center
4.7
(456)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Phousi Hill
Manda de Laos
Le Banneton Café & French Bakery
Dyen Sabai Restaurant
Popolo, Restaurant
Two Little Birds Cafe
BOUANG Asian Eatery
Tangor Restaurant Bar & Lounge
La Silapa Italian & Lao Kitchen
Khaiphaen
Pasaniyom Traditional Café
Manda de Laos
4.6
(632)$$$
Click for details
Le Banneton Café & French Bakery
4.4
(572)$$
Click for details
Dyen Sabai Restaurant
4.3
(565)$$
Click for details
Popolo, Restaurant
4.6
(483)$$
Click for details
Reviews
4.3
(2.2K reviews)
Phone
+856 20 98 972 772
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