The crowds were flocking to Wat Phou in the heat– in busses, on motorbikes, in the back of shared vans. I went there too, but also to Wat Phou Ngoi – a real temple, being used, perched high above the Mekong. The still expanse of water and islands lay presented below me. Beside the monks, I was the only one there.
Wat Phou Ngoi
Wat Phou Ngoi
Wat Phou Ngoi
Wat Phou also sits above the plains with a steep staircase running to the top. At the base they were busy slicing rocks and hammering as loudly as possible.
Wat Phou
The towns around Champasak along the Mekong were lovely, with beautiful views over sandy beaches on the opposite shore. My destination lay on the other side, and a bit closer to tomorrow’s destination of the 4000 islands.
Crossing the Mekong
Returning to Route 13
arctic-cycler.com 
Magnificent scenery – and photos
Yes. It is beautiful here. 🙂