lake and mountains at vat phou, laos

laos wat phou champasak phonthong district vat phu lao temple-mountain ruined khmer hindu temple complex southern one oldest places worship southeast asia base mount khao kilometres mekong province sanctuary site centred sacred spring offering place mighty tutelary sprit dating back pre-historic megalithic stone structures built early century bce cells carving crocodile serpent stairs platforms pre-angkor brick buildings onsite erected 7th consequent building surviving angkor period 11th—13th centuries lake mountains