12 FAMOUS TEMPLES IN LUANG PRABANG

Wat Chom Si on the summit of Mount Phou Si

A whopping 328-step staircase takes you to Wat Chom Si, the monastery atop Mount Phou Si, and its golden stupa. Depending on your tastes, you may find the building underwhelming – but the view is always spectacular. Every sunset and sunrise, the site is stuffed to bursting with people holding cameras and patiently waiting for the golden or scarlet rays to suffuse the land of Luang Prabang and the waters of the Mekong River below. Once the sun has set, visitors can go shopping and enjoy delicious local food in the night market at the foot of the mountain.

Address: 10 Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos

Wat Pa Phon Phao (also known as the Temple of Tranquility)

The golden Wat Pa Phon Phao is actually visible from the top of Mount Phou Si, peeking out from the jungle. It is also set on the top of its own small hill. The architecture is unique compared to other wats, but it is still beautifully ornamented and a highly spiritual place. However, some visitors say that it is better seen afar as a mysterious and tantalizing golden sanctuary in the woods. You would not miss out on anything if you don’t visit this wat – the beauty of the high concentration of temples in Luang Prabang is that there are always more temples to marvel at.

Address: V5M2+67F, 13, Luang Prabang, Laos