- Address: Muang Champassak, Laos
- Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
- Price: $ 3.66 (regular ticket), $ 5.48 (ticket + transfer)
- Phone: +856 20 91 271 011
- Official website: vatphou-champassak.com
A unique monument of Khmer history in Laos is the ruins of the temple complex of Wat Phu. This famous landmark is located in the southern part of the country, at the foot of Phu-Kao Mountain, 6 km from the deep-water Mekong River, in the province of Tyampasak. Translated from Lao, "phu" means "mountain", so Wat Phu is a rock temple that is really built at the foot of the cliff. Currently, its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are protected.
History of the Khmer temple
It is known that in the territory of Wat Phu in the V century. a small sacred complex was built, connected with the Shiwaite cult, whose followers worshiped the Phu-Kao mountain (formerly it was called Lingaparvata). The thing is that a source of healing water is beating from the rock, making the Wat Phu temple in Laos a unique construction among all Khmer constructions. This temple complex of Hindu and Buddhist mythology is a miniature sacred mountain. However, at the present time only ruins have survived, dating back to the 11th-13th centuries, which have become the center of modern Theravada Buddhism.
Features of the temple on the mountain
The ruins of Wat Phu, like all other Khmer constructions, are directed to the east. The main reference point is Phu-Kao Mountain and Mekong River . Around the legendary historical building there are palaces: northern (male) and southern (female). These palaces and the temple are located on the same axis. Their appointment is still not established. In the architecture of Laotian attractions, the Angkorian and Cocker styles are combined. This skillful carving admires both ordinary tourists and experienced scientists.
To the south of the sanctuary, one can see the relief of the Hindu trinity, and in the northern part there remains an imprint of the Buddha's trace and images in the shape of a crocodile and an elephant. Inside Wat Phu, where the peacefully sitting Buddha is, conduct 7 spans, consisting of 11 steps.
Most of the structures of the temple complex of Wat Phu are now in very poor condition. Despite the fact that little of what has been preserved from its former greatness, the temple still remains one of the most visited places of Laos and is a place of worship.
How to get to the ruins?
In order to get acquainted with the historical monument of Khmer architecture, you can go to the place as a part of the excursion group or on your own. It's easier to leave Pakse or Champasak. The road to Wat Phu for cars is paid, since almost all the length of the plot is flat asphalt, but for free scooters. Rent a scooter with gasoline will cost about $ 10. By bus from Pakse, you can get to Champasaka, and there you can change to tuk-tuk and cross another 10 km. Also in Champasak you can rent a bicycle.