Place to see: Wat Phou, Champasak, Laos

About this place:

Wat Phou is the most important Khmer archaeological site in Laos and a must see for temples fanatics. It lies at the base of a mountain in southern Laos, near Champasak. Its various structures have been rebuilt over the years, with the earliest beginnings in the 5th century, but most of what you will see today dates to the 10th-11th centuries. It is steeped in mystery and was an important center of power along the Mekong River. There are three main pavilions still standing with intricately carved lintels, but also the ever looming threat of the ancient walls toppling over. A holy spring and some interestingly carved rocks that may have been used for human sacrifice make it stand apart from other Khmer sites. Its commanding location on the hillside makes for awe inspiring views and thoughts of thanks for not having been one of the laborers responsible for hauling the immense stone slabs.

It is officially open from 8am-4:30pm, but they will let you in for sunrise and can stay later. There is an exhibition hall at the gate that has some artifacts from Wat Phou and is worth taking a walk through. The closest town is Champasak, but you can day trip it from Pakse. I recommend staying on close-by Don Daeng, a sleepy little island in the middle of the Mekong (see “La Folie Lodge” in Places to Sleep).