Description of the attraction
Fousi is a small mountain located on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khang rivers. Translated from Lao, its name means "Sacred Mountain". It rises 100 meters above the city. The climb is difficult, but worth the effort. From the highest point of the mountain, there is a magnificent view of Luang Prabang, two rivers and the jungle around the city.
At the top of Mount Fousi is a narrow platform with a small Buddhist temple and a golden stupa, Wat Chom Si. The platform near the sacred buildings is a popular place to watch the sunsets, so it is especially crowded at this time of day.
The 24 meter high Chom Si Golden Pagoda is crowned with a sacred seven-tiered umbrella. A rectangular base painted white serves as a pedestal for it. It is said that under the stupa is the path to the center of the Earth. The Chom Si Stupa was built in 1804 by order of King Anurat. The shine of the stupa is clearly visible from below - from the streets of Luang Prabang.
Next to this pagoda is a small viharn (abode) where you can see a massive statue of a seated Buddha surrounded by smaller sculptures. There is also a pavilion with a large ritual drum.
There are two staircases leading to the pagoda. It consists of 328 steps, the other - of 355. The way upstairs begins on Sisavanwong Street directly opposite the royal palace. You will have to pay for the ascent to Mount Fousi, however, the ticket price is not high, so you should not save. You can go back down another staircase, which passes by a small cave temple, Wat Tham Fousi, where several valuable images of Buddha are kept.
