LAOS - Destinations & Hotels
Champasak Province & Wat Phou
The province of Champasak is home to one of Asia's great, but least visited temples, Wat Phou. Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province, is situated at the confluence of the Se and the Mekong Rivers (Pakse means 'mouth of the Se') and is a busy trading town. The town has one of the largest markets in the region.
Wat Phou, meaning “temple on the mountain” is believed to have been built in the 6th century as a tribute to the Hindu god Shiva, it has also been said by some scholars to have been the blueprint for Angkor Wat and other temples in modern day Cambodia. Wat Phou, although small in comparison with its counter parts in Cambodia, more than delivers as the elaborate shiva-lingam sanctuary, mysterious crocodile stone and overgrown feel all add to the spiritual and mystical atmosphere. The energetic may walk up the hill to the upper platform where you will be afforded wonderful views of the Mekong River plain. There are dozens of other lesser temple sites dotted about the area including the fascinating Wat Oum Muong located just across the Mekong River. The whole area was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.
Champasak Province & Wat Phou Hotels
Champasak Province & Wat Phou | Kingfisher Lodge | $$$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
This lodge is a family run business owned and managed by Massimo from Italy and his wife On, a Lao native. It is an eco-lodge in the true sense, as they run the business in a sustainable way, trying to set an example for others to follow. They demonstrate that it is often easy to change everyday...
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Champasak Province & Wat Phou | La Folie Lodge | $$
Eco-friendly, Remote location
This new lodge, set in a lush landscape and exotic gardens, is located on Dong Daeng Island, an island in the Mekong River well known for its exceptional natural beauty and unspoilt charm. It sits on a secluded river beach facing towards the historic ruined Khmer temples of Wat Phou and has been...
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