Wat Phou Champasack (The second World Heritage Site in Laos)

Certainly the highlight of any visit to Champasack Province is the ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phou. Situated on the Phou Kao (mountains) slope 6 kilometers away from Champasack District and about 45 kilometers from south of Pakse along the Mekong River. It is also important as an historic and cultural site and was acknowledged by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a World Heritage Site on December 14, 2001 (the second World Heritage site in Laos) .Wat Phou, a complex of temple buildings constructed in Khmer style overlooking the Mekong is both impressive and inspiring. It is recognized as one of the most important Hindu sanctuaries of Cambodia’s Khmer Empire, which was in place between the 9th to 13th Centuries and is the largest example of Khmer Architecture in southern Laos. On the same site, ruins dating from pre-Angor times have also been identified. On the moon moon of the third lunar month, usually during February and before celebrations at Angor, Champasack celebrates the traditional Wat Phou Festival at the ruins. Festivities include elephant racing, cock fighting and performances of traditional Lao music and dancing.