Climb to Phu Si Hill, the highest point in Luang Prabang, and enjoy the most stunning sunset in Southeast Asia in 360 degrees.
▲ From Phu Si Hill, you can enjoy a complete view of Luang Prabang.
Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wenjun / Laos
Since Luang Prabang in Laos was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage city, it has attracted global travelers eager to experience traditional Lao culture and its serene, laid-back atmosphere. To take in the full panorama of the city, make sure to hike up to the summit of Phu Si Hill, located right in the city center, where you can admire the ancient town’s scenery and witness the most beautiful sunset in Southeast Asia from every angle.
▲ The back entrance to Phu Si Hill.
Phu Si Hill is located in the heart of Luang Prabang. The most recommended way to explore it is to enter from the back side of the hill. After climbing over 300 steps to reach the city’s highest point, admire the most beautiful sunset in Southeast Asia, then descend via the stairs and eventually end up at the night market in front of the Royal Palace Museum. For those with good stamina, the entire round trip takes about an hour.
▲ %The path up the back of the hill is steep but leads directly to the summit, where...
Entering from the back of Phu Si Hill, you’ll immediately see the staircase winding up the slope. Though the incline is somewhat steep, it doesn’t dampen travelers’ eagerness to witness the breathtaking views. As you climb higher, the once massive buildings gradually shrink in size, and as you near the top, the dense tree cover can no longer block your sight — the elegant, mysterious cityscape of Luang Prabang, nestled among mountains, comes into full view.
▲ The mountaintop viewpoint, where many travelers gather to watch the sunset.
▲ The sunset over Luang Prabang as seen from Phu Si Hill. (Photo provided by Wu Dongjun)
As sunset approaches, the mountaintop viewpoint becomes even livelier. Travelers from around the world either sit on the steps or lean against the low walls, all eagerly awaiting the moment the sun sets. After capturing the beautiful scene of the sun slowly descending behind the mountains, they gradually get up, pack up, and prepare to head down.
▲ The path down the hill.
▲ The night market in front of the Royal Palace Museum.
Although the descent isn’t difficult, the slope becomes steeper as you approach the exit, so every step requires caution. Around 5 PM, the 500-meter-long night market in front of the Royal Palace Museum is already bustling with numerous unique stalls. Aside from selling ethnic Lao handicrafts, there’s also a wide variety of local delicacies. Most highly recommended is a mixed fruit or vegetable juice — vendors display rows of cups filled with random combinations of fruits and vegetables, and you simply point to the one you want. Near the entrance of the night market, there’s also a food alley offering all-you-can-eat options and various skewers to satisfy every craving.
▲ The night market in front of the Royal Palace Museum at night.
▲ The must-try mixed fruit and vegetable juice.
▲ Various ethnic-style souvenirs, some even hand-sewn by locals.
▲ A hidden food street tucked away in a small alley.
Phu Si Hill
Ticket: 20,000 kip
Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00
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