The pre-Angkor temple of Wat Phou
Built between the 5th and 12th century and easily the most evocative Khmer ruin outside Cambodian borders, the romantic and rambling hilltop temple complex of Wat Phou is reason enough to venture down to southern Laos.
Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2001, the site dates back to the 5th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Whilst much of the origins of Wat Phou are unclear, it is believed that the original temple was built by the Khmer Hindus who eventually made Angkor Wat there capital.
Wat Phou is the location for a yearly festival that occurs on the full moon of the third month on the lunar calendar, which falls sometime in February on the Gregorian calendar. The festival celebrates two sermons that Buddha preached to his disciples on the same day, 45 years apart.