Wat Chomphet — Local services in Luang Prabang

Wat Chomphet is situated on the opposite side of the Mekong River across from the town of Luang Prabang, and north of Wat XiengMan. There are two ways to get there by boat or by car. Both are by crossing by ferry and takes 5 - 10 minutes from the town. Wat Chomphet is around 3km from the town of Luang Prabang. It is one of the most magnificent temples in Luang Prabang. It is located on the Chomphouphet, which means on the hill top of Phet Mountain, overlooking the Mekong River and the town of LuangPrabang. It is a great place to appreciate the sunset. Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Traveling through the area, you will have a good opportunity to explore and learn the authentic ways of living of the local people -how they make their living and how they speak and dress. Moreover, there are a lot of places to visit, such as Wat Xieng Man, Wat Chomphet, Wat Longkhoun, Wat Thamsakkalin, Wat Hathsiew, Wat Kokpab and Wat Nongsakeo. According to the elders, the temple was built in 1888 by Phaya Sulisak Montee (The third Army General of Siam, Thailand) during the French colonization in Laos. The mural in the temple is a combination of Chinese and Thai arts. It is around 112 years old, with123 steps leading up to the temple. This temple had been used for the royal coronation ceremonies of Luang Prabang Kings when they succeeded to the throne. According to the local people, Wat Chomphet was named after the mountain called Phouphet or Diamond mountain because his Majesty the King Sayasetthathirath had a plan to build Wat Xiengthong there and he announced a decree to his people asking for those who were willing to contribute to the construction of Wat Xiengthong to kindly bring some diamonds, silver, gold and emeralds. But when they arrived in Luang Prabang, Wat Xiengthong was already completed. The local people were upset and decided to collect all the contributions they had prepared to erect Wat Xiengthong and left them in the area which is now called Phouphet or Diamond Mountain. In 1888, Phaya Sulisak Montee was appointed by Siam to be stationed in this area to attack the LanXang Kingdom of Luang Prabang (now Luang Prabang). Wat Chomphet was constructed by Phaya Sulisak Montee to commemorate himself. The highlight of the main building is the ceiling decorated with paintings of a swan and a dragon, which were symbols of good luck for him. This temple was also renovated by Luang Prabang and Thai artisans several times. Wat Chomphet is one of main tourist attractions in...

If you want to avoid the overwhelming crowds on Phousi Hill just come over here for the perfect sunset. Take the local car ferry (5.000 Kip per person - do not fall for any "offers" with private boats, they will try to charge up to 250.000) and walk about 15-25 minutes. You will pass through a nice village, which is way more authentic than the crowded City Center of Luang Prabang. Its a completely different world. There are quite a few small shops to buy snacks, beer etc. At the bottom of Wat Chomphet a lady will charge you 20.000 for the entrance fee, which is ok. After climbing to the top you will most likely enjoy the sundown with amazing views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong all...

Wat was alright. You can buy ticket at bottom for 20k to see four temples. It’s cheap and all the temples are nearby so worth a visit if you have time to kill. I wouldn’t go out of my way to see this as they are all in disrepair.

At the bottom we had two kids come to us and try to sell us flowers to put at the wat for 10k. I bought one but they brought three and walked all the way up with us. Ended up paying 30k for all but the kids kept talking to us and took pictures for us, if it’s a scam I don’t mind, was only...