What Is Vat Phou?
Vat Phou is part of the Vat Phou Temple complex within a broader cultural landscape, rather than a single isolated temple building.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage property, inscribed in 2001.
The Champasak Cultural Landscape
UNESCO describes the planned cultural landscape as more than 1,000 years old, with development spanning roughly the 5th to 15th centuries and mainly associated with the Khmer Empire.
Planning a Visit
Check current visitor arrangements directly before travelling. Do not rely on old prices, opening hours or festival schedules.
Using Pakse as a Travel Base
Pakse can be used as a base for planning Southern Laos onward travel. CPS scheduled buses serve Pakse from Vientiane and do not directly serve Vat Phou.
Continue planning your Laos journey
Things to Do in Pakse
Use Pakse as a base for the Bolaven Plateau, waterfalls and Champasak cultural sites.
Read guideBolaven Plateau Travel Guide
Explore waterfalls, coffee and landscapes on the Bolaven Plateau from a Pakse base.
Read guideHow to Travel from Vientiane to Pakse
An overview for travellers planning the journey to Pakse, including CPS overnight bus information.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
Is Vat Phou a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage property inscribed in 2001.
Is Wat Phou the same as Vat Phou?
Wat Phou is a common search spelling; UNESCO uses Vat Phou in the official property name.
What does the UNESCO property include?
It includes the Vat Phou Temple complex within a broader Champasak cultural landscape.
Planning references
Visitor and local transport arrangements can change. Check current information from the relevant source before you travel.