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Mount Phousi sits at the heart of Luang Prabang and serves as the city’s most recognizable landmark.
At night, the stupa (chedi) is illuminated and looks beautiful.
Although Mount Phousi is a Buddhist site, it’s also hugely popular as a panoramic viewpoint over the old town.
Sunset is especially popular and can get very crowded, but the view from Mount Phousi is so fantastic that you should add it to your itinerary.
Below, you’ll find how to get there and what to watch out for if you plan to catch the sunset.
Basic information for Mount Phousi
| Address | Ban Pakham, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos |
| Hours | 06:00–19:00 |
| Admission | 30,000 kip (foreigners) 10,000 kip (Lao nationals) |
Take in a Full Panorama of Luang Prabang
Mount Phousi is one of the most famous sights in Luang Prabang.
Despite being only about 150 m high, there are no tall buildings to block the view, so you get a sweeping cityscape.
On clear days, you’ll clearly see how the town is cradled by mountains and rivers.
Sunset Rewards the Climb
If you’re going to climb, sunset is a must.
From Mount Phousi, the sun sets behind the mountains toward the Mekong, bathing the river in golden light as the ridgelines fade into dusk.
It’s a glorious scene.
The “Best Spot” Challenge
Because the sunset from Mount Phousi is famous, it often fills up with visitors.
To secure a prime spot, aim to arrive at the summit about two hours before sunset.
If You Hold a Spot, Prepare Accordingly
The summit area is narrow and true sunset-view angles are limited.
There’s no shade, so while you wait you’ll be under direct sun.
With the crowds, umbrellas aren’t practical, and staying in one place can be tough.
If you plan to hold your spot until sunset, bring: a hat, a light long-sleeve layer, water, and a handheld fan.
There are plenty of other sunset spots besides Mount Phousi.
For example, the Mekong riverfront is excellent.
Rather than forcing yourself to spend hours on Mount Phousi, it’s perfectly fine to keep sightseeing and watch the sunset from an easier location.
Two Main Routes to the Summit
There are several paths, but they eventually merge into two main routes.
Using one route up and the other down lets you enjoy Mount Phousi without backtracking.
1. From the Royal Palace Museum (Main Route)
This is the shortest ascent—328 steps straight up.
There isn’t much to see along the way, so you can reach the top in around 10 minutes.
After sunset, descending to the Royal Palace side puts you right at the Night Market on the main street—an atmospheric combo of “sunset view → night market.”
2. From the Nam Khan River Side
Another route starts from the Nam Khan River side, via a staircase.
Along the way you’ll pass Buddha images—including a reclining Buddha (nirvana)—so the climb itself is enjoyable.
This path is gentler than the Royal Palace route; allow about 20 minutes for a relaxed ascent.
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