Vat Phou Champasak Southern Laos — *A temple that stood the test of time, over 1,000 years!*

Welcome to the oldest temple in Southeast Asia, if you’re planning a trip to Southern Laos, then Vat Phou is not to be missed! Tucked away at the base of Phou Khao mountain, and not far away from the Southern capital of Pakse, this ancient Khmer temple is full of history, stunning architecture, and spiritual energy that echoes the ancient landscapes of Southern Laos.

In this blog post, I’ll be your guide and take you through everything you need to know from Vat Phou’s fascinating history and UNESCO World Heritage status, what to see, and tips for exploring the surrounding area. So if you’re ready for some ancient temple exploration then read on!

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My YouTube Video on Exploring Vat Phou

If you want to visually and audibly immerse yourself in Vat Phou then check out my YouTube video on exploring Vat Phou. Also, I have a few other videos on eating and traveling in Laos so check that out if you wish and if you enjoy the video how about subscribing to my YouTube Channel? ;)

History Behind Vat Phou in Laos

Vat Phou’s history is older than it looks, the site started as a sacred place long before the Khmer Empire came into the picture, even long before written history. It is estimated that the hill that Vat Phou is built upon has already been a sacred site since the 2nd Century BCE when early settlers built simple stone shrines near a natural spring believed to be the home of a powerful spirit.

You can still see remnants of that prehistoric elements today as archeologists have unearthed stone platforms for offerings, serpent-like stairways, and even a mysterious crocodile carving dating back to that time period.

With this early shrine, Vat Phou was linked to the ancient city of Shrestapura, which once stood on the banks of the Mekong river directly across from the Phou Khao mountain which Vat Phou is built on. By the late 5th century, Shrestapura had become the capital of a powerful local kingdom in the area that would be known as Southern Laos today.

Fast forward a few centuries and the first few serious construction efforts at Vat Phou was built during the 7th century AD, for reference, Angkor Wat was built during the 12th century AD, a full ~500 years after. These early buildings would be the basis for all future expansions made by the Khmere Empire when they took over the region in the 11th - 13th century AD.

Vat Phou was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The mountain behind it, Phou Khao, was believed to represent Mount Kailash, Shiva’s sacred home. You can still spot Hindu symbols carved into the sandstone, like the linga and yoni, which were once used for rituals.

Over time, as Hinduism declined in this region of Laos and Theravada Buddhism spread through Laos, Vat Phou gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple.And by the 13th century AD, new Buddha images replaced Hindu idols.

Fast forward to modern day, in 2001, Vat Phou was officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its deep cultural and historical importance.

How to Get to Vat Phou

Vat Phou is located just outside Champasak town, around 40 kilometers south of Pakse, it’s an easy destination to add to your day trip of exploring Southern Laos. The drive from Pakse, Laos takes about an hour. You can also take a local bus or shared minivan to Champasak, then hire a tuk-tuk for the final stretch to the temple. Most guesthouses in Pakse or Champasak can help you organize transport, or even book a guided day trip if you prefer something more convenient.

On the subject of guided day trips, I traveled to Vat Phou as part of a tour, more specifically the Pakse: Mystic Falls & Timeless Temples of Southern Laos Tour and I highly recommend it. Not only does the tour bring you to Vat Phou but also two of Southern Laos’ most iconic waterfalls: Tad Fane and Tad Yeung Waterfall.

The tour covers all transportation and guides, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery while learning about the history and culture of Southern Laos. It’s perfect if you want to see the highlights without worrying about the logistics, and the logistics of traveling in Southern Laos can be a bit cumbersome at times.

Exploring Vat Phou, What to See

Remember to wear light clothing and pack some water, and an umbrella. If you’re in Southern Laos and exploring Vat Phou, the sun is a real menace, especially combined with the humidity of the monsoon seasons. You’ll be climbing a set of steep stairs up a seemingly gradual sloping hill and believe me You. Will. Sweat.

Basecamp, Cafes and shuttle us up to Phou Khao Mountian

Arriving to Vat Phou, you’ll start off at what I like to call a basecamp but it’s more like a spacious visitor center. Here is where you can purchase any souvenirs or gifts like clothing, fridge magnets, or bags. there a few shops selling clothing made from homemade fabrics.

Aside from that there is a cafe where you can enjoy some drinks and snacks, and the all important restrooms. Make sure you go to the toilet now because there are no toilets at Vat Phou.

Yes, Vat Phou is located further away from the visitor center, there is an entrance fee of around 55,000 Laotian Kip (roughly 2.5 USD) for tourists. HOLD ON TO THESE TICKETS. You’ll need to scan them on your way into AND out of Wat Phou.

Once you got your ticket, scan it, pass through the gate, and hop on a periodic shuttle bus which will take you up to the site of Wat Phou.

Vat Phou Lower Terrace, Entryway, Ancient Causeway, Stone Gates

Once you hop on the shuttle bus and arrive at the actual site of Vat Phou in Southern Laos, you’ll notice that the temple is divided into 3 main levels.

Your journey starts at the lower terrace, which includes the long grand entryway and a spacious courtyard flanked on either side by 2 large stone “gateway” structures. You can enter these structures and walking through it, they basically loop around in a square of what I assume might’ve been a pool or an open courtyard in the middle.

The sights are peaceful and spectacular, helped by the fact that the grasslands surrounding the first level of Vat Phou being very wide and open, allowing for a nice cool breeze to flow through contrasting the unyielding god rays of the sun.

From my exploration of these side “gateway” structures it’s obvious that they have seen some modern renovations such as the addition of wooden support beams. But one thing I cannot approve of is the amount of trash and litter that is left behind by tourists.

Throughout the hallways of the structure are scattered pieces of trash left about. From plastic bottles, tissue paper, and styrofoam boxes. Absolutely despicable behavior. It’s infuriating to think that Vat Phou stood majestically preserved for over a millennia, only for it to be tarnished by some imbecile who doesn’t have the mental fortitude to hold on to their empty water bottles for a couple more minutes.

Vat Phou Middle Level, Climbing up the hill

After exploring the lower terrace and ancient stone gates, the next part of visiting Vat Phou is the climb along the middle level up to the main worshiping grounds. This section is marked by a long set of stone bricks laid cascading up the hill.

From first impressions, you would assume that it would be a leisurely stroll up Vat Phou but no. It’s a real cardio workout. Each stone step is uneven and jagged, made worse by the fact that the steps often do not have enough room for your foot to step on making you have to pivot your feet sideways.

The stone stairs of Vat Phou were no doubt manipulated over time by natural weathering or shifting of the ground or soil.

As you climb though, take your time to appreciate the views of the surrounding Southern Laos country side, it is really gorgeous. and Along the way to the top of Vat Phou you’ll notice that the sides of the hill are brick built in this stepped pyramid design.

This is why I recommend you bring an umbrella and some water, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll be sweating a LOT. And if you haven’t done some cardio in a while, your legs will surely go sore the next day.

Vat Phou Upper Sanctuary, The Main Shrine, Sacred Worshipping Grounds

The reason we went through that arduous climb is that reaching the top of Vat Phou is a real reward. Here, the upper sanctuary opens up to the main shrine, surrounded by sacred grounds that have been used for worship for over a thousand years. One of the highlights is the small reservoir filled with holy water, locals and visitors alike believe that drinking from it brings good luck and fortune. You can even bottle it up and bring it back home.

The atmosphere here is serene, and you can truly feel the spiritual energy that has drawn people to this site for centuries.

Among the carvings and stoneworks of the main worshipping building depicting Buddhist stories, you’ll also notice some of the earliest prehistoric relics, including the crocodile carved into stone that I was talking about in the beginning of this blog post.

You can also enjoy the scenic and panoramic views of the Southern Laos landscape below.

Best Vat Phou Tours for Exploring Southern Laos

As previously mentioned, during my trip through Pakse and Southern Laos, I joined the Mystic Falls & Timeless Temples of Southern Laos Tour, and honestly, it’s the easiest and most rewarding way to see the Vat Phou as well as other attractions in the region.

It’s honestly kind of hard to find reputable and well reviewed tours in Southern Laos as the region is neglected by tourism but the tour I went on is the best one that I’ve found.

This full-day tour covers some Souther Laos’ must-see spots, including the ancient Vat Phou temple, the stunning Tad Fane Waterfall, and the picturesque Tad Yeung Waterfall. You’ll have a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, plus convenient transportation throughout the day, so all you need to do is enjoy the scenery and take it all in. If you’re looking for longer multi-day trips that include adventures in Luang Prabang or Vientiane, there are options for that too.

Use the widget below by GetYourGuide to explore more tours around Laos and plan your perfect trip!

Details About Vat Phou

Vat Phou is an ancient Khmer temple in Southern Laos, built between the 7th and 13th century AD. Originally a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, it later became a Buddhist temple. The complex features terraces, an ancient causeway, and a sacred reservoir. Vat Phou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit historical site in Southern Laos.

Location: RRXG+5X3, Muang Champassak, Laos

Opening Hours: 8 :00 AM - 6:00  PM | Mon - Sun

Entrance Fee: 55,000 LAK (2.5 USD) for Tourists

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