Wat Chompet
A serene, lesser-known temple offering breathtaking Mekong River views and a peaceful escape from Luang Prabang's crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Wat Chompet
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, lesser-known temple offering breathtaking Mekong River views and a peaceful escape from Luang Prabang's crowds.
"Stunning views of the Mekong and surrounding hills, often enjoyed in solitude."
🚗 Take the Car Ferry
Opt for the local car ferry (around 5,000 Kip) for the cheapest and most authentic river crossing experience.
👟 Steep Steps Ahead
Be prepared for a fairly steep climb up the temple steps. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mekong Views
Summit of Wat Chompet
Stunning, unobstructed vistas of the Mekong River and Luang Prabang's rolling hills. Often enjoyed in solitude.
Tranquil Monastery Atmosphere
Wat Chompet grounds
Experience a peaceful, somewhat 'abandoned' monastery with a unique, quiet charm. A stark contrast to bustling city temples.
Authentic Village Walk
Path from the ferry
Stroll through a charming, authentic village on your way to the temple, offering a glimpse into local life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Sunset
Ferry & Entrance Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Not enjoying Luang Prabang, help me salvage it
🚗 Take the Car Ferry
Opt for the local car ferry (around 5,000 Kip) for the cheapest and most authentic river crossing experience.
👟 Steep Steps Ahead
Be prepared for a fairly steep climb up the temple steps. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Looking for recommendations for stuff to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
5 days in Luang Prabang
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 20,000 Kip for entrance, which may include other nearby temples. :admission_tickets:
💧 No Facilities
Note that there are no running water or toilet facilities at the temple. Plan accordingly.
Tempted to stay 6 days exclusively in Luang Prabang. Good idea?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Take the Car Ferry
Opt for the local car ferry (around 5,000 Kip) for the cheapest and most authentic river crossing experience.
👟 Steep Steps Ahead
Be prepared for a fairly steep climb up the temple steps. Comfortable shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 20,000 Kip for entrance, which may include other nearby temples. :admission_tickets:
💧 No Facilities
Note that there are no running water or toilet facilities at the temple. Plan accordingly.
🌸 Flower Offering
You might be offered flowers for offerings; it's a small cost for a nice interaction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wat Chompet is praised for its stunning, peaceful views of the Mekong River, offering a serene alternative to busier attractions. Visitors appreciate the authentic village walk and the tranquil atmosphere, often enjoying the sunset in solitude. However, some note the lack of facilities and the temple's somewhat run-down state, questioning the value of the entrance fee if expecting more upkeep.
"Tiny little run down temple, a few steps to climb, but with absolutely stunning viewsof the Mekong and surrounding hills. And there is litterally no-one. We liked it so much that we went back two years later!"
Florence Koechlin
"Really nice spot, an abandoned (?) monastery with a good view over the Mekong and downtown Luang Prabang. Some tables outside to have lunch or a lie down. Take the car ferry (10k) across the river and walk from there. Fairly steep steps. 20k entrance fee - if you’re paying to get in there then imo there should be running water and a toilet (there isn’t). For your 20k you also get entrance to the other working temples nearby which aren’t very interesting."
TF Love
"If you want to avoid the overwhelming crowds on Phousi Hill just come over here for the perfect sunset. Take the local car ferry (5.000 Kip per person - do not fall for any "offers" with private boats, they will try to charge up to 250.000) and walk about 15-25 minutes. You will pass through a nice village, which is way more authentic than the crowded City Center of Luang Prabang. Its a completely different world. There are quite a few small shops to buy snacks, beer etc. At the bottom of Wat Chomphet a lady will charge you 20.000 for the entrance fee, which is ok. After climbing to the top you will most likely enjoy the sundown with amazing views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong all by yourself."
Rick M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is to take the local car ferry across the Mekong River from the main town. It's inexpensive (around 5,000 Kip per person) and offers a scenic journey. From the ferry landing on the other side, it's about a 15-25 minute walk through a local village to reach the temple. +1
While private boats might be offered, they are significantly more expensive. Stick to the official car ferry for the best value.
Yes, the walk from the ferry terminal to Wat Chompet is about 15-25 minutes and passes through a charming, authentic village.
Driving directly to Wat Chompet is not the typical or recommended approach. The ferry is the primary mode of access for visitors.
The ferry ride is short, and the walk is about 15-25 minutes, so the total travel time from the Luang Prabang side is roughly 30-45 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 20,000 Kip. This fee often grants access to Wat Chompet and a few other nearby working temples. +1
No, tickets are usually purchased on-site at the bottom of the temple complex.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the entrance fee is generally considered affordable.
While specific hours aren't always posted, it's generally accessible during daylight hours, especially for sunset viewing.
For the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, many visitors find the 20,000 Kip fee to be a good value, especially if you appreciate quiet spots. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main draw is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Mekong River and surrounding hills from the summit. The temple itself is a quiet, somewhat run-down monastery offering a serene atmosphere.
Compared to other popular Luang Prabang attractions like Mount Phousi, Wat Chompet is significantly less crowded, often allowing for a solitary experience, especially outside of peak sunset times.
Unfortunately, there are no running water or toilet facilities at Wat Chompet, so it's advisable to use facilities before you arrive.
Late afternoon leading up to sunset offers the most spectacular lighting and views. The golden hour provides beautiful photo opportunities.
There are some tables outside where you can relax, have a snack, or enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most iconic photo opportunities with sweeping views of the Mekong. The winding paths and the temple structures themselves also make for interesting shots. :camerawithflash:
Absolutely! Wat Chompet is renowned for its stunning sunset views over the river and Luang Prabang, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour before sunset, provides the most flattering light. Early morning can also be peaceful and offer unique perspectives. :sunrise:
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone in the area to avoid any issues. :drone:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the town across the river. Don't forget a tripod for low-light sunset shots. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the steep steps leading up to the temple; younger children might need assistance. There are no facilities like toilets or water, so ensure everyone is prepared before you go. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning views can be a great way to engage kids with the natural beauty of Laos.
💰 Budget Travelers
The entrance fee is also quite low (around 20,000 Kip), and it often includes access to other nearby temples. The opportunity to enjoy incredible views without a hefty price tag makes it a highly recommended spot for those watching their spending.
📸 Photographers
Unlike more popular spots, you're likely to have ample space to set up your tripod and capture the scene without being jostled. The serene atmosphere and the unique perspective of the 'abandoned' monastery also provide compelling photographic subjects. :camerawithflash:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serene Alternative: Why Wat Chompet Stands Out
This 'abandoned' monastery, as some describe it, possesses a unique atmosphere. It's not about grand, ornate structures, but rather the quietude and the breathtaking, unobstructed views it provides. It’s a place to sit, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the Mekong River and the surrounding verdant hills, often with very few other people around.
For those seeking a peaceful sunset or a quiet moment of reflection, Wat Chompet is an excellent choice. It offers a different perspective on Luang Prabang, one that is less about ticking off a famous landmark and more about experiencing a moment of calm beauty.
Navigating the River Crossing and Village Path
Once you disembark on the other side, a pleasant 15-25 minute walk awaits. This path winds through a charming village, providing a stark contrast to the bustling tourist center of Luang Prabang. You'll pass small shops selling snacks and drinks, and get a feel for a more traditional Lao way of life.
Be prepared for a 'fairly steep' climb once you reach the temple grounds. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended for navigating the steps to reach the summit and its spectacular viewpoints.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit