Wat Phou

The Khmer-period ruins of Wat Phu located at the base of mount Phu Kao, some eight kilometres to the southwest of Champassak province. The miles long temple complex were granted their UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.There was a temple on the site as early as the 5th century, but the surviving structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries.

What to do?
The upper platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the Mekong plain. Energetic visitors may want to climb the near by Phou Passak, whose peak is shaped like a lingam or Shiva phallus. Another Khmer monument, Muang Tomo or Oum Moung, can be visited on the opposite side of the Mekong. It is, however, less accessible than Wat Phou.

The area has the remains of an ancient Khmer stone temple on Mount Phou Asa. At the most southwestern tip of Laos, along the Cambodian border, the Mekong River reaches its maximum breadth of 14 km (during the rainy season).

When to go?
The best time to visit overall is the cool season, between November and February. Don't forget to bring warm clothes as it does get a wee chilly. The rainy season begins in May and ends in October. It is a beautiful time of the year to visit with every thing so lush and green. However, it does make travel a bit uncomfortable with muddy roads and land leeches.

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