Luang Prabang: Mount Phu Si

On our first day in Luang Prabang everyone wanted to discover the city for themselves, so we all went exploring in our separate ways. I figured I was well equipped because I had purchased a map of Luang Prabang, and Victor lent me a book about all the city had to offer. The place is not very big, but I’m terrible with directions. I wanted to start discovering the city by climbing Mount Phu Si, (pronounced pussy), but as I walked around flipping my map upside down, right side up, left and right, I couldn’t seem to figure out where I was. I finally gave up and decided to just walk wherever the wind would take me.

I ended up walking along the Mekong River, which is the tenth longest river in the world. The Mekong connects Laos to Thailand, Burma, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and from Vientiane we can actually see Thailand across the River. Julie told me that during the wars, when Laos was one of the most bombed countries of the world, many fled by swimming across to Thailand.

I walked along speculating about all of this and observing the nice hut-like houses people built alongside the river to live in. It must be so peaceful to live here. The houses are so simple, and the entire city has a laid-back, worry-free vibe to it. How strange it is that the river can seem so serene from where I was standing, when in the past it had been a point of refuge amidst chaos.

I finally came to the foot of a huge mountain with steps leading to the top. The steps had a railing in the form of ornately decorated dragons, a decoration that I have only previously seen on gates or stairs that lead to a temple. Knowing that Mount Phu Si has a temple at its summit, I thought, “this must be it!” and started climbing.

The mountain in itself is beautiful and provides an amazing view, but it is rendered even more special by all the Buddha statues that are hidden in its crevices and caves or perched on its rocks.

Above picture taken in a cave on Mount Phu Si

At the summit rests a very small temple where people can go to pray or meditate. The long climb and the great view make it an especially nice place for reflection.

I descended the mountain on the other side and encountered Eve about halfway down. She told me a hilarious story about how she got hit on by a local on Mount Phu Si, which is much funnier in French because “Mont”, (Mount), sounds like “my”. When we met up with the others later that evening she told them all how we met on “Mont Phu Si” and oh, how we laughed.