Wat Phou, also called Vat Phou or Wat Phu, is a famous and sacred temple in Laos. The relic in fact is a complex of many ancient temples, shrines, and museum, bearing the elites of Khmer Civilization. With its unique in architecture, the complex was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in the year 2001.
History of Wat Phou Temple
The complex of religious monuments is situated on the sides of the Mekong River, between a small stream and Phou Kao Mountain, with a geometric shape harmony with the natural landscapes. The temple is a pre – Angkorian relic expressing the Hindu fusion between human and nature, represent the art in hey days of the Khmer Civilization in Laos during a long period from 5th to 15th centuries.
The structure of Wat Phou
The Vat Phou Laos was constructed on an extension of 1.5km, with a height of 100m. From atop of the highest one, visitors can see the whole complex, reminiscent the image of Angkor Vat in Cambodia.
The site can be divided into 5 parts, including the main complex, the terraces, the shrines, the museum, and the Hindu relics.
Wat Phou – the Angkor in Pakse
Reaching the grounds of the complex, visitors will see the museum at the same place where the box office is situated. The structure is a relatively modern and small museum, where displaying religious sculptures, engravings, and Wat Phou archaeological relics.
The main complex
The Wat Phou complex is without a doubt is the most impressive part of Champasak. Right next to the entrance is an artificial lake, representing the ocean and leading to a road marked by two rows of stone posts and boutique engravings. The road ends at the foot of Phou Kao Mount, where travelers can climb and reach the top of the complex.
At the middle area, visitors will find 2 rectangular buildings and a courtyard. These two structures is believed to be constructed to accommodate men and women separately.
The terraces
Across the stone posts, visitors can follow the stairs leading to the terraces. These terraces are formed by elongated in different layers, which have been flanked by structures on their both sides. The only ruin remain is the sandstone of the goddess Shiva, which dates back to the 11th century.
The shrine
Passed the terraces, travelers will see a small structure with 3 doors which is the sacred shrine of Wat Phou. There is a small Buddha image standing at the central door, where local people keep visiting to pray for luck.
The Hindu remains
Besides Buddhist buildings, travelers can find some more modern structures which bear the Hindu designs in the north of the complex. They are beautiful stone carvings in the shapes of elephants, snakes, and crocodiles… dating back to the 13th century.
Discovering the mysteries of Wat Phou in Champasak is truly one of top things to do in Laos.
More information:
Opening hours: Every day from 08:00 to 18:00. Only the museum closes at 16:30
Entrance fee: Approximate 4.5 USD (35000 Laotian Kip) per person
Location: Pakse, the capital of Champasak, Laos
