When we visited Mount Phousi , I was concerned about my dad, we had to climb up 328 zig zag steps to get to the top of Mount Phousi, but surprisingly he has no problem, I was worn out by the time I got to the top.
According to my map, Mount Phousi is right at the center of the old town of Luang Prabang. It is bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the other side by the Nam Khan River. As for the entrance fee, it costs 5,000 kips ($0.59) for Lao people, and 20,000 kips ($2.37) for a foreigner, as for me, I considered myself a Lao Pakse and only paid 5,000 kips, and my dad donated some money at Wat Chom Si.
When you get to the top, there is a small temple called Wat Chom Si, with golden stupa of That Phousi.
On top of Mount Phousi is one of the most beautiful view of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace and the Nam Khan river.
The Bodhi tree was donated by the government of India in 1957 on the 2500th anniversary of Buddha.
Freeing a bird for good luck is still very popular amongst the locals and tourists. I also noticed a little shrine for spirit worshiping.
Coming down was a lot easier than going up.
Nye Noona 
Did you sample any of the local cuisine? How is the tourist crowd like in Luang Prabang?
Dallas, I hope my new post of The Old Charming Town of Luang Prabang answers your question. 🙂
I love how the Wats have the naga on the edges of the roof. I’m so fascinated with your photos. this is such a treat!!!
Those 328 steps look challenging! I bet the view is worth every step.
Is the cat sitting amongst moss? It must be cold there. But looks like the cat is enjoying the sun. Very serene.
lady0fdarkness, I’m also fascinated by the nagas on roof tops. The temples in Laos are absolutely beautiful, and there are more photos of temples in Vientiane that are also beautiful, that I will post later on.
Hi Salat, the cat is sitting amongst moss because the temple and steps are real old, I thought you would like the cat photo.
When I was doing research for this post, I didn’t know that there is another way up to Mount Phousi, and I believed that other entrance, there is a cave with lying Buddha statue inside, I should have done my research before I went.
wow, I wanna go back to Laos now.
[…] December 16, 2008 in Laos, Laos Trip, Travel | Tags: Haw Kham, Luang Prabang, National Museum, Royal Palace I visited the former Royal Palace, or what is known now as the National Museum on November 14, 2008. It is known locally as Haw Kham (Ho Kham) or the Golden Hall, and was built between 1904 and 1909 as the new official royal residence for the monarchs of Luang Prabang. I believed the Mekong River is right behind it, and it faces Mount Phousi, and the best view of the former Royal Palace is of course from Mount Phousi. […]
Lyn, you should go back, i think you’d love it. 🙂
If you go back my little guide will help you
marhas, thank you, without a tour guide I think I missed many important areas.
[…] many caves in his younger days. This one is not so bad, only 174 steps to the top in comparison to Mount Phousi, which has 328 zig zag […]
[…] If you visit, do prepare to climb the steps, see my post: Climbing the 328 Zig Zag Steps of Mount Phousi […]