The sacred hill at the heart of town, crowned by the golden That Chomsi stupa, with panoramic views.

🌿 Low-impact tip: this is an easy walk or bike ride from the old town.

Story

Phousi rises about 100 metres above the old town, between the Mekong and the Nam Khan. A stairway of more than 300 steps climbs from Sisavangvong Road, opposite the Royal Palace, to That Chomsi, a gilded stupa built in the early 19th century. Shrines and Buddha images line the paths down the other side of the hill. The summit is the town's favourite sunset spot, so it gets crowded in the late afternoon; sunrise is quieter. It is a sacred site, so please dress and behave respectfully.

In the UNESCO heritage zone — The old-town peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1995). Building height, materials and signage are regulated to protect its character.