Wat Phu Champasak, also known as Vat Phou, is Laos‘ answer to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple, albeit on a much smaller scale. It is one of the holiest sites in southern Laos and the main tourist attraction near Champasak.
The present Wat Phu temple dates from the 11th to the 13th centuries although a temple has been onsite since the 5th century. It was built during the Chenla period of the Khmer Empire and is an Angkor-style Hindu temple and a popular World Heritage site.
The temple lies a few miles outside the popular tourist town of Champasak on the slopes of the lofty Mount Penis (Phu Khuai) in the Phu Pasak range. Although it is somewhat of a titch when compared with the gynormous dimensions that the Angkor sites near Siem Reap boast, Wat Phu Champasak has some lovely forms and most of all, a delectable setting.
The views of the Mekong and surroundings from Wat Phu’s terraces are an eye opener. In addition, the whole place has a unique layout and is quite frequently shrouded in mist which together with its jungle setting gives it a calming quality.
There are also many other worthwhile sights in Champasak Province within easy reach of Champasak village. These include the thundering Khone Waterfalls and the aptly named 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don), both of which are best seen in the rainy season, and the Bolaven Plateau.
Getting There & Away
Champasak is only around 25 miles south of the major southern Laotian gateway town of Pakse, which itself has an international airport. You can get to Champasak from Pakse direct by bus or better still, by boat along the Mekong. The ferry takes around 2 hours in either direction. Once in Champasak, Wat Phu temple is about four or five miles from the village via bus or taxi. You could also hire a scooter, bicycle or tricycle. Pakse International Airport is a busy little facility, receiving flights from around Southeast Asia.