A visit to Phu Si Hill is an absolute must when visiting the beautiful UNESCO world heritage town Luang Prabang in Laos. This old temple town with tree lined boulevard type sidewalks and a beautiful night market is flocked to by many tourists, however still demonstrates an older Asia then its neighbouring countries. Phu Si Hill is small, just 100 metres (325 feet high) and on the sides of the hill, as well as the top, you will find many small temples and buddhist shrines. Monks in orange robes busy with chores, chanting or generally taking care of this beautiful monestary area, it is a fascinating sight. Mind you, the hill might be small, but there are still a hell of a lot of steps to climb before reaching the top. Once you do, you will not only see beautiful statues and monks but you get a spectacular view over the entire town and the brown mekong river amidst rugged landscapes running along it. Also an excellent place to catch the sunset/sunrise. When in Luang Prabang do not miss the morning alms procession of the monks. It requires getting up at the crack of dawn, but is well worth it. At approx 5 in the morning, monks come out of their temples in large droves (like a proper procession) and walk past ladies sitting on the road side with food. The monks hold up their baskets as the ladies fill it up with the food. This is done to honour the gods and provide the monks with their breakfast. I also took part in this after giving one of the ladies a few Laotian kip. I sat on the road and filled up pots and pans of monks walking past. A truly memorable experience, esp as it's still dark and the city is just coming to life with market stall holders setting up shop nearby.

To climb up the numerous stairs to the top of the hill is so worth it!!! You will have the best view over Luangprabang what is surrounded by the Mekong river. On top you see the Golden Stupa, a temple and going down the other side a big golden reclining Buddha and even a 'footprint' of Buddha in stone :) It is a beautiful place. If you like let some birds free (you can buy them everywhere and so as well on top) for good luck.

A "must-see" when visiting Luang Prabang. Well worth the effort and the reward is a grand view and a sense of wonderment that will stay with you for as long as you remember the experience. Good Journeys!

It keeps it's eyes on you wherever you find your self in the city ;) And you rest your eyes on it.. all the way up. On the top might be too crowded, but murmur makes it even more exciting.

The temples on the walk up are not very exciting, but the view of the town from the top is spectacular and is a great place to watch the sun set.