History:

is a temple complex located at the base of Mount Phu Kao, near the Mekong River. It is an important archaeological and religious site dedicated to Hinduism. It was built in the 11th century and expanded in the 13th century. Visiting Wat Phu gives insight to the life, culture and religious beliefs of the Lao people and their ancestors. The most prominent feature of the complex is the 5th century Khmer temple of Vishnu, overlooking the Mekong river. Other ruins include large gardens, statues, ponds and various other relics. Wat Phu is also a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the best temple in Laos which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Wat Phu is a temple complex in Champasak, Laos, dating back to the 5th century. 2. The temple is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most important Khmer architectural sites in Asia. 3. Wat Phu was constructed by the Khmer people in the Indianized kingdom of Funan between the fourth and sixth centuries. 4. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and was originally a Hindu religious site. 5. Wat Phu features numerous sandstone structures, including a large central temple, shrines, royal pools with steps and brick bridges, and many stone carvings. 6. The temple is in an elevated position above the Mekong River, and is built in the distinctive shape of a stepped pyramid. 7. There are two main festival held at Wat Phu, the Bun Khao Salak and Boun Bang Fai, where traditional music, food and drinks are enjoyed. Here are some facts about the Laos temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Laos

Worship Method:

Wat Phu in Champasak, Laos, is a Buddhist temple complex dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Shiva. The worship methods used to revere this deity and to honor a variety of spiritual symbols and motifs are a reflection of the ancient Theravada Buddhism practiced in Laos. At Wat Phu, visitors are invited to enter through its main gate and to proceed up the temple's terraced steps, made of laterite stones. As they ascend the stairs, visitors will be immersed in its spiritual ambience, marked by the traditional chanting of monks, the sound of shawms (traditional musical instruments), and the scent of incense. Before worshipping Shiva at the temple, visitors are encouraged to pause and purify their minds and bodies, through meditation or prayer. Worshipers then enter the sanctuary of the temple, where they will find an image of Shiva, accompanied by offerings of lights, incense, flowers, and food. Prayers may be offered to honor Shiva and to ask for longevity, grace, and protection. In addition, stories associated with the legend of Shiva are retold through dances to provide entertainment. Religiously-minded visitors often make a point of engaging with the story to gain a deeper spiritual meaning out of their ritual of worship. Lastly, at the end of their worship experience, visitors may purchase sacred items or make donations to the temple as an act of patronage. This demonstrates their gratitude for the spiritual teachings of Wat Phu and helps to support the upkeep of the temple and its religious practices. This most visited temple in Laos

Opening Timing:

Wat Phu – Champasak in Laos is open from 6:00am to 7:00pm daily. top temples in Laos

How to reach:

Wat Phu - Champasak in Laos can be reached by air or land. By Air: The nearest airport to Wat Phu - Champasak is Pakse International Airport, located just 15 km from the temple. From the airport, you can rent a car, hire a tuk-tuk or take a local bus to reach the temple. By Land: You can also get to Wat Phu - Champasak by land from other parts of Laos. To get to Wat Phu - Champasak from the capital, Vientiane, you can either take a direct minivan from the Northern Bus Station or take a local bus, minibus or taxi to Pakse and then take a tuk-tuk or minibus to the temple. You may also be able to find a shared taxi directly to Wat Phu from other parts of Laos. famous temples in Laos