The program of the festival features colourful religious ceremonies at the ancient temple, a live concert, parades, and a fair of locally produced foods, goods and souvenirs.
Vat Phou is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos, the other two being the city of Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars, Phonsavan.
The ruined temple complex sits 6 km west from the Mekong river in Champasak province, Southern Laos and about 10 km by car or motobike from Champasak city downtown. Champasak is best reached from the provincial capital of Pakse, some 35 km north.
The remnants of the temple complex which can be seen today, date back to the 11-13th century, roughly to the times of Kor Ker and Baphoun, though it was erected on the site of an earlier 5th century temple.
Vat Phou has a unique structure with a long causeway leading to the main sanctuary. It is organised around a Lord Shiva lingam shrine with water from a mountain spring pouring down at it. Initially, Vat Phou was a part of the Khmer Empire. While later, like most temples of the Empire, Vat Phou was converted to Theravada Buddhism worship, only minor changes were made during that period.
Vat Phou Festival in Laos Kicks Off This Week
News in Asia
Vat Phou festival will be held in Champasak province in Laos on February 5–8. The annual event celebrates the grandeur of Laos' largest Khmer Hindu temple complex.