Wat Phu

Vat Phou (or Wat Phu; Lao: ວັດພູ [wāt pʰúː] temple-mountain) is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern Laos. It is at the base of mount Phou Khao, some 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Mekong in Champasak Province. There was a temple on the site as early as the 5th century, but the surviving structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. It has a unique structure: The elements lead to a shrine where a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva was bathed in water from a mountain spring. The site later became a centre of Theravada Buddhist Warrior’s worship, birth grounds for warrior offsprings, which it remains today.

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Essential Siem Reap

Essential Siem Reap – City & Temples 2026

by Rodney C. LHuillier

Designed especially for short-term visitors, packed with local info and deeper insight, this guide puts you on the fast track to ticking off the city’s highlights & attractions, and local foods, with comprehensive info on the must-see temples of ancient Angkor.


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Map

*Important: mapped location may only be approximated to the district level/village only. To visit sites outside the tourist zones you should seek a local guide from the area read more.

Site Info

  • Site Name: Wat Phu
  • Reference ID: HA18246 | Last Updated: June 11th, 2021
  • Other Names: Vat Phou, Vat Phou, ວັດ ພູ, Phu Pasak
  • Tags/Group: Ancient Royal Road, Royal Road Beng Mealea-Koh Ker-Wat Phu
  • Location:
  • MoCFA ID: 877
  • Inscription Number/s: K. 366, 367, 475, 476, 720, 721, 876, 938, 963, 1005, 1059, 1175, 1200, 1226
  • Credits: Image: Mattun0211
Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..

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