2 Best Sights in Laos

Across the river on the way to Champasak, this hilltop temple was built in 2011 and has an impressive "Big Buddha" statue that dominates the peak. A long staircase flanked with nagas brings visitors to the top (allow 30 minutes for the climb) where there are great views of the river and the city, especially as they soak up the crimson sunsets. There is also a newer, concrete road to the top.

Several shrines and temples and a golden stupa crown this forested hill, but the best reason to ascend its 328 steps is to enjoy the view from the summit: a panorama of Luang Prabang, the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for watching the sunset (bring insect repellent), but there are huge crowds (watch for pickpockets), so the view here might be better appreciated at sunrise, when you will have it all to yourself. If you're not game for the steep climb up the staircase, there's a less strenuous hike up the trail on the "back" side of the hill behind the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre; there aren't really views on the way up but the view from the top is the same.