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:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 108 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Website
tourismluangprabang.orgHighlights
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
After spending 2 weeks in Phongsaly, Bountai, Muang Khua, Muang Ngoi, I could already see things get a little touristy in Nong Khiaw, but LP seems like a complete downer. Everything seems to be made for the tourist-gaze. Things are expensive and everything seems performative.…
🚗 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
Hello! :) We're gonna be quite the big group so we'll probably hire a driver for the day. So far here's what we got planned: - kuang si waterfall - tat kuang si bear rescue centre. - Kuang Si Butterfly Park. - climbing to the top of mount phousi (how long does it take? Should…
5 days in Luang Prabang
I have 5 days coming up where I will be staying in Luang Prabang. I’m a bit worried this might be too long. Any suggestions on how I can make the most of my time here?
💰 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?
Unless I'm missing a major grail sight in Laos, I like the idea of chilling out for 6 days. The adventurous sightseer in me wants to see what else is out there, but I don't know. Is there a grail to behold in Laos?
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. 🌅
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. 📷
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit