Mount Phousi is a towering hill (Phu) in the city center of Luang Prabang. The summit can be reached by a set of staircases either from the Southeast or from the Northwest.

The path in the picture above is the one on the northwestern face and is somewhat wider and more frequently used than that on the southeastern flank, of which the latter is also less well-maintained.

The northwestern path offers some magnificent aerial views of the Royal Palace Museum (fig.) opposite the road and of the Mae Khong River (fig.).

The city below can be seen on either side, with the best outlook from a viewpoint at Wat Chom Si or Wat Phou Si (Phu Si), a Buddhist temple at the top (fig.).

This photo is a view from the top of the mountain towards the southeastern part of the city, off the corn-shaped peninsula that is formed by the Mae Khong on the one and the Khan River on the other side.

From the top or when using the southeastern stairway to either ascend or descend, one will get a good view of the Khan River below and the gilded roof of Wat Phol Phao in the far distance.