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Vat Phou Asa is a ruined Buddhist monastery on the top of a sandstone hill next to Ban Kiet Ngong in the area of Pathoumphone (Phia Fai). It was built during the 19th century in an unusual shape probably inspired by Indian models. One hundred eight cylindrical stupas made of slabs without mortar surround the Sim. Many champa trees have been planted along the walls. The place, isolated in a dry and rocky area, inspires mystery and wild grandeur. Its origin is still a mystery, but one legend says Phou Asa is the burial place of all the jewels sent by the "Kha" to adorn the palace that Prince Kammatha was building in Vat Phou. When they learned that he died and the palace would not be finished, they built the citadel to protect the buried jewels.

Early scholars thought it was a Khmer monument, but another tradition says Phou Asa is a citadel built by a rebel "Kha" prince named Asa. The Annals of the Kingdom of Champasak tells that a monk named Asa coming from Loublaotaoboun (Salaphatbury Province) built these structures in 1817, supporting this story. In 1819 revolts of "Kha" people, led by a chief named Asa, set the cities of Champasak, Attapeu and Saravane on fire Asa was seized by King Anou of Champasak and handed to Siamese authorities.

View from Vat Phou Asa.