Mount Phu Si

Rising 100m up from the peninsula that straddles the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Mount Phousi (also known as Phu Si) is the boss when it comes to the Luang Prabang skyline.

Ancient legend tells of a powerful Naga (part human, part serpent deity in Buddhist and Hindu belief) who used to call the mountain home, and there are beautiful little temples and shrines dotted throughout the hill, their gilded rooftops just visible above the trees. Saffron-clad monks wander along the leafy paths, and incense drifts on the breeze.

From the peak, you can take in a stunning panorama of Luang Prabang and the tranquil valley in which it sits. In the distance, the blue jungle-clad mountains rise above the peaceful rivers, and the whole scene is absolutely breath-taking. The sunsets here are, without doubt, some of the best you’ll ever see.