Mount Phou Si - The Pagoda on the Sacred Mountain

The Sacred Mountain in Luang Prabang

The tall natural hill Mount Phou Si stands in the center of Luang Prabang, topped by a glistening golden pagoda. Mount Phou Si, literally meaning "Sacred Mountain", is one of Luang Prabang's most well-known and revered landmarks. Legends stretch back centuries, telling of how Hanuman, the Monkey King from the Indian epic Ramayana, carried the sacred mountain to Luang Prabang from India.

the golden pagoda on the peak of Mount Phou Si in Luang Prabang, Laos

The golden pagoda topping the mountain was constructed in 1804 to house an ancient Buddhist relic, and points heavenward at the highest point in all of Luang Prabang.

Wat Chom Si

Wat That Chom Si, or Wat Chom Si, sits atop the mountain (really more of a large hill). It's a fairly small temple - a simple shrine hall with several Buddha images enshrined inside. Every few hours, a monk will ring a bell, gong, or drum from the temple, the sounds echoing over the mountain.

Buddha statues inside the temple at Mount Phou Si

The top of Mount Phou Si offers unparalleled views over Luang Prabang and the surrounding areas. The scenic viewpoint at the top is especially popular with tourists at sunset. If you wake up early enough, you'll be able to catch the gorgeous sunrise... and you'll likely have the viewpoint all to yourself.

the views of Luang Prabang and surrounding areas from the top of Mount Phou Si

Hiking Mount Phou Si

There are two paths leading up to Mount Phou Si; one beginning just across Sisavongvang Road from the Royal Palace, and the other beginning from the other side of the hill. It's suggested to go up one way and down the other so as not to miss the dozens of shrines and statues along the way.

• The steps leading up to the peak of Mount Phou Si begin at Wat Pa Huak, across the road from the Royal Palace.
• Bring water! It can get hot and humid during the climb (water may be available for sale at the top).
• Proper dress is required - even though you'll be hiking, you should still dress like you are visiting a temple on the sacred mountain.
• The climb isn't too difficult. With moderate mobility and fitness you shouldn't have much trouble ascending the 300-something steps to the top of Mount Phou Si.
• You'll have to pay the 20.000 kip entry fee about halfway up.

golden reclining Buddha statue at Mount Phou Si

The path down the mountain takes you past dozens of unique Buddhist statues, including a tall standing Buddha, a detailed Rrclining Buddha, and a statue of the Buddha teaching his disciples.

a statue of Buddha teaching his disciples

There is a small cave shrine about halfway down the mountain, built directly into the natural rock features of the landscape. You have to duck to crawl beneath the jutting stone into the small cave, so watch your head! There is a small shrine room underground.

cave shrine at Mount Phou Si

Mount Phou Si during Pimai (Lao New Year)  ປີໃໝ່

During the traditional Lao New Year, or Pimai Festival, the mountain becomes busy with pilgrims bringing flowers, incense, and other offerings to the temples and shrines along the mountain.

Early in the morning during Pimai, people wearing traditional Lao dress climb the mountain with offerings for the alms-giving ceremony. Lao New Year is the only time of the year when the alms are given at Mount Phou Si.

See more: Alms-Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang

Dress Code at Mount Phou Si

Like other Buddhist temples, a strict dress code is required at Mount Phou Si.

Laos is a warm country, and the steep steps leading to the peak of the big hill make for a hot and humid climb. It's not a long hike, but it can be a bit uncomfortable, as ladies are not permitted to wear shorts or short skirts. Long pants or a long skirt is required.

In addition, neither men nor women should are allowed to wear sleeveless shirts, and shoulders and chest must be covered  while on the sacred mountain.

the stairs to the top of Mount Phou Si in Luang Prabang, Laos

When can you climb Mount Phou Si?

• You can climb Mount Phou Si daily from 5:30 - 18:00, but the mountain is technically open from just before sunrise to just after sunset.
• The top of the hill is most popular at sunrise and sunset, when it offers the best views in all of Luang Prabang of the surrounding area.

Admission to Mount Phou Si

• A ticket to Mount Phou Si costs 20.000 kip, and is required to climb the hill and visit the temple at the top.

Location and map of Mount Phou Si, Luang Prabang

• https://goo.gl/maps/nES8Q9hMjFL2
• Mount Phou Si is located in the center of Luang Prabang, and the steps leading to the peak are just across the road from Haw Phra Bang and the Royal Palace. 
• The small but beautiful temple Wat Pa Huak stands on the lower slopes of Mount Phou Si, near the steps leading to the top of the hill.