Vat Phou Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: October to February Read More
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Also Refered As:Wat Phou
"A 10th century Angkor Temple Ruin"
Vat Phou Tourism
Wat Phou or Vat Phou is an ancient Angkor temple ruin located on the banks of the Mekong river close to the city of Pakse in southern Laos. The temple is known for its splendid Khmer architecture and is one of the top attractions among tourists visiting Pakse, which is recognized as a UNESCO listed heritage site.
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History & Significance of Vat Phou
The Wat Phou is located at the foot of Phu Kao mountain overlooking the Mekong. During the Khmer times, this mountain was called Lingaparvata or the mountain of Shiva, due to the shape of its top, which resembles Linga or Hindu God Shiva. The mountain was sacred to the locals. The temple was initially dedicated to Shiva but was later converted to a Buddhist temple in the 13th century when Buddhism was the religion propagated by the kings.
The UNESCO listed heritage site consists of the ruins of two ancient cities named Lingapura and Shrestrapura and the Phu Kao mountain. Shrestapura was built around the 5th century before the Khmer period, while Lingapura or the town of Lingas was a Khmer city established in the 12th century dedicated to Shiva.
Architecture of Vat Phou
Wat Phou was built on seven elevated terraces aligned in the direction facing the Mekong and the mountains. Crossing the walkways on the remains of the moat leads to two palaces Ho Thao and Ho Nang within the temple premises. These were large halls used to perform ceremonies and Hindu rituals.
Between these palaces, there are many smaller structures, including brick towers with intricate carvings of Hindu Gods. At the centre is the main sanctuary located on the highest terrace on the 7th level. At 70 meters high, it offers some fantastic views of the nearby villages and the Mekong. The sanctuary housed a linga around which a stream passed. Now it consists of a giant seated Buddha with three other images of Buddha.
The notable feature of this temple are the elaborate carvings on the walls, lintels and pediment including sculptures depicting the Hindu mythological characters and scenes from epics like Ramayana.
Tips While Visiting Vat Phou
There are no ATMs near Wat Phou or in the nearest towns. It is better to carry sufficient cash. There are very limited options for food and drinks. So carry your snacks and water.
There are no public toilets too.
Accommodation options are limited in the town and can get booked during the peak season. It is recommended to book hotels and guesthouses in advance.
Since it is a sacred temple, it is expected to dress appropriately. You need to cover your back, shoulders and knees. Remove sunglasses, shoes and hat before entering the temple premises. Carry sunscreen, umbrella or a hat for the sun and raincoats as well.
Also, it is recommended to wear good walking shoes as it involves a lot of walking around.
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How to Reach Vat Phou
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By tuk-tuk - From Pakse, you can rent a tuk-tuk for a day for about 50 USD per person for a roundtrip, which will cost less if shared. You can also rent a taxi for about 100 USD for a round trip. Alternatively, you can book a temple tour in Pakse via your hotels and guesthouses, which will cost about 70 USD per person, including transport and snacks, but excluding the entry fees.
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