Timeline
17:12
Head to Books and Tea L'Etranger. It sits just a three-minute walk from the hill base. Go upstairs to claim a cushioned spot. The menu offers drinks and cake, and the room is covered in cushions for lazing around and reading. It is a quiet place to settle in before the climb.
17:27
Walk up Phou Si Hill. The trail is just across the road from the Royal Palace. The climb takes about twenty minutes. You will reach the summit just as the golden light begins to fade, giving you time to find a spot facing west.
17:52
Watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, casting a final glow over the city and the Mekong river below. This is the peak moment of the evening.
18:22
La Silapa Italian & Lao Restaurant
Descend the hill and walk five minutes to La Silapa Italian & Lao Restaurant. The big garden is the perfect place to digest your meal and the view. The terrace on the street is also nice. Order the Parmesan aubergine or the tiramisú.
Local tip
Check the route if you need help finding the trail up Phou Si. The hill is a significant climb, so pace yourself before the golden light starts.
Check before you go
- La Silapa Italian & Lao Restaurant opens at 17:00, so you will be able to eat and drink there during the golden hour.
- Books and Tea L'Etranger has no listed opening hours, so check if it is open before you go.
- The golden light on 15 January starts at 17:20 and sunset is at 17:52.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Luang Prabang (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).