Why Is Wat Phou Thought To Be Laos’s oldest Temple?

Laos has many historical sites that are worth seeing. The country has beautiful scenery and a lot of cultural history. The oldest temple in Laos is Wat Phou, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s an important part of Southeast Asia’s spiritual and architectural past. There is no better way to plan a trip than through a Vietnam tour company or the best travel service in Vietnam. If you’re looking into Laos tours, you have to see Wat Phou.

History of Wat Phou

This ancient Shiva temple influenced the Champa dynasty.   It was built before the famous Angkor Wat. In the 11th century, during the Khmer Empire, the temple was rebuilt after being built in the 5th century. At first, the temple was for Lord Shiva, but as Buddhism spread through Laos, it slowly changed into a place where Buddhists could pray.

Why Is Wat Phou The oldest temple In Laos?

The Khmer Empire built Wat Phou (or Vat Phou) in the beginning. These buildings were built in the 5th century, when the Chenla Kingdom, which came before the Khmer Empire, was in charge. But from the 11th century to the 13th century, Khmer kings like Jayavarman VI and Suryavarman II greatly expanded and rebuilt the temple complex. These were the same kings who built the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here are some interesting facts you should know before visiting this ancient artifact:

• Historical Records: Wat Phou has roots going back to the 5th century. Inscriptions and objects found in the ruins prove that the site is ancient.
• Khmer Influence: Built before Angkor Wat, Wat Phou displays early Khmer architecture that demonstrates the kingdom’s expansion into Laos.
• Religious Evolution: Wat Phou went from Hinduism to Buddhism, but unlike many other temples that were left empty, it kept its historical and spiritual core.
• Architectural Significance: The temple is built in the traditional Khmer style, with a mountaintop shrine, old reservoirs, and stone lintels that are elaborately carved.

Becoming a Legendary Cultural Treasure

Wat Phou is an important part of Laos’s cultural tradition because it shows how the country’s history has changed and how spiritual it is. Many Laotians still go to the temple as a pilgrimage site, especially during the annual Wat Phou Festival, which brings both tourists and followers.

How To Get To Wat Pho?

Lush Laos Tours can make custom itineraries that include a visit to Wat Phou along with other cultural places in Pakse and Champassak Province for a more complete experience. Many people book tours to Laos through a Vietnam tour company or the best travel service in Vietnam. These tours often include a cultural journey that goes through both Vietnam and Laos.

Conclusion

Wat Phou is the oldest temple in Laos, which shows how important it is religiously and historically. There is no better place to visit than this temple in Laos, whether you are there for the country’s historical sites or for a luxurious tour. 

Choose a well-known Vietnam tour company like Threeland Travel to plan the right trip through the cultural heartland of Laos for an experience you’ll never forget.