Vat Phou
A Khmer temple landscape aligned from the Mekong plain to a sacred mountain through reservoirs, processional roads, terraces, shrines, and a natural spring.
Photo: Mattana · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Country
- Laos
- Region
- Champasak Province
- Civilisation
- Khmer
- Period
- 5th–13th centuries CE
- UNESCO
- World Heritage
Through time
The story
Vat Phou is a ruined Khmer-Hindu temple complex in southern Laos. There was a sanctuary on the site, centred on a spring and an offering place for a tutelary spirit dating back to pre-historic times. The first megalithic stone structures had been built probably as early as the second century BCE, consisting of two stone cells, a carving of a crocodile, serpent stairs, and offering platforms. One of the pre-Angkor brick buildings onsite was erected in the 7th century and became the focus of consequent building activities.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Upper sanctuary
- Processional causeway
- Barays
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Vat Phou
No discoveries yet. Be the first to share a photo from here.
