Vat Phou, located in Champasak Province, Laos, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the evolution of Khmer architecture from the 5th to the 13th centuries. This ancient Hindu temple complex, dedicated to Shiva, is situated at the base of Mount Phou Khao, approximately 6 kilometers from the Mekong River. It is one of the oldest worship sites in Southeast Asia, with origins dating back to prehistoric times when a sanctuary centered around a sacred spring and an offering place existed on the site.

The initial structures at Vat Phou were megalithic, built as early as the 2nd century BCE, featuring stone cells, a crocodile carving, serpent stairs, and offering platforms. The site evolved significantly over the centuries, with most of the surviving structures dating from the Angkor period (11th-13th centuries). Initially associated with the city of Shrestapura, Vat Phou became part of the Khmer Empire, reflecting the spiritual significance of Mount Phou Khao, which was considered the home of Shiva due to a lingam-shaped protuberance on its summit.

The temple complex is oriented towards the east, with a layout that includes barays (reservoirs), palaces, and a sanctuary. The sanctuary, which is the focal point of the site, housed a lingam continuously bathed by water from a sacred spring. Over time, Vat Phou transitioned to Theravada Buddhist use, a practice that continues today, with a festival held on the site each February.

Conservation efforts have increased since Vat Phou's designation as a World Heritage Site in 2001, involving international collaborations aimed at preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage. The site, open to the public for religious activities and tourism, also features a museum housing artifacts from the temple complex, further enriching visitors' understanding of its historical significance.

📷 Filming Date
2023/05/31

🗺️Interactive map
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📍Today’s Attractions
Vat Phou
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Prasat Hong Nang Sida
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🎬 Timestamp
00:00 Causeway
08:05 Northern Palace
20:37 Southern Palace
27:14 Causeway
42:47 The Sanctuary
55:24 Prasat Hong Nang Sida

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