Overview
More vibrant than other Mekong cities,
Pakse offers a pleasant atmosphere and serves as an ideal base to discover the treasures of the region.
Nearby, the Bolaven Plateau, with its lush landscapes and refreshing waterfalls, beckons for adventure and relaxation. The Vat Phu Champasak temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the historical and cultural richness of the region.
The villages of Ban Saphai and Kho Island provide an authentic glimpse into local culture and craftsmanship, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life in southern Laos.
Top Attractions
Tad Fane is of the tallest waterfalls in Laos
Pakse is the ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural riches of southern Laos. Here are the region's must-sees:
The Bolaven Plateau
This mountainous region is renowned for its vast coffee plantations, spectacular waterfalls and authentic ethnic villages. It's a perfect playground for hiking, mountain biking or trekking, and also offers the opportunity to visit coffee plantations and admire waterfalls.
Vat Phou temple
An ancient Khmer temple nestled at the foot of Mount Phu Kao, Vat Phou is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Laos, testifying to its fascinating architecture and history.
The 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
This archipelago of small islands on the Mekong, near the Cambodian border, is a haven of peace. Here you can go boating, kayaking or fishing, and discover fishing villages and hidden waterfalls.
Tad Fane waterfall
At 120 metres, Tad Fane is one of the highest waterfalls in Laos. Located in Dong Hua Sao National Park, it is easily accessible via a short hike, offering an impressive natural spectacle.
See & Do
Ban Saphai is known for its weaving craftsmanship
Pakse is a popular starting point for cruises on the Mekong River, ranging from budget options to luxury yachts. It is also the ideal place to book excursions to must-see sites such as the Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phu Champasak, or Kiet Ngong.
Just a short distance north of Pakse, the peaceful village of Ban Saphai, along the Mekong River, and the island of Kho are worth a visit. Ban Saphai is known for its weaving craftsmanship. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the skills of local women by visiting their workshops. A map available at the Ban Saphai craft center, where many women have set up their looms, will guide you on a pleasant walk through the weavers' houses.
Facing Ban Saphai, the tiny island of Kho offers a timeless escape, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Here, no cars, few motorcycles, a true haven of peace rarely found in Southeast Asia. Like Ban Saphai, the island is renowned for its weavers, and visitors are invited to discover their ancestral craftsmanship in local workshops. A giant tree, said to be 500 years old by locals, watches over the garden of Wat Silattana Satsadalam (or Wat Don Kho). This temple houses a unique manuscript room, blending French and Laotian styles harmoniously and is worth a short visit. If you are lucky enough to visit the island during the dry season, you can enjoy its beaches and charter a local fisherman for an impromptu fishing excursion on the Mekong River. Although these villages are well-known, they remain surprisingly preserved from mass tourism and make for a pleasant half-day trip from Pakse, or a longer stay for a cultural immersion in one of the island's guesthouses.
Spanning over 1,200 km² on the border of Champasak and Salavan provinces, the vast Phou Xieng Thong National Park offers a unique immersion into Laotian nature. Offered excursions include accommodation in a local village in the heart of the park, as well as a boat ride on the Mekong River for the return journey. The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the sunset at the top of Khong Mountain, an unforgettable spectacle. It is important to note that these excursions are generally organized for groups of at least four people. Solo travelers are therefore encouraged to inquire in advance to join an existing group or consider other options.
Locally known as the Pakse Bridge, the Laos Japanese Bridge is overlooking the serene Mekong River
Beyond its landscapes and temples, Pakse is home to a vibrant place of authenticity: the Talat Dao Heuang, one of the largest markets in Laos. Located near the Lao-Japanese bridge, this market is a true immersion into the local culture.
Go Green
Mr. Linh's Adventure offers a range of tours in and around Pakse, including:
• Trekking in the Bolaven Plateau: This 2-day tour takes you through coffee plantations, waterfalls, and ethnic villages in the Bolaven Plateau. You'll have the chance to meet locals and discover their culture.
• 4000 Islands Excursion: A 3-day trip to explore the 4000 Islands, go boating and kayaking on the Mekong, visit fishing villages and waterfalls, and experience the natural beauty of the region.
• Vat Phou Temple and Waterfalls Tour: A 2-day tour to Vat Phou Temple, an ancient Khmer temple designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Tad Fane and Tad Yuan waterfalls. You'll get to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Heritage
The majestic Wat PhouPakse, once the capital of the Champassak kingdom in southern Laos, is a city where history, spirituality, and colonial influences seamlessly blend. Its rich cultural and religious heritage is a true treasure.
At the heart of this richness lies the majestic
Wat Phou, a
pre-Angkorian UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to the 5th century and dedicated to Shiva, this Khmer sanctuary offers breathtaking views of the Mekong and the surrounding countryside, bearing witness to the ancient Khmer civilization.
The golden Buddha of Vat Phu Salao
Within Pakse itself, Wat Luang, considered the most beautiful and significant ancient temple, stands on the banks of the Sedone River. Built in 1935, it's adorned with magnificent Buddhist paintings and intricate wooden carvings, also serving as a Buddhist school. The modern complex of Wat Phu Salao, with its impressive golden Great Buddha and Theravada architecture, is another important place of worship near the Mekong, while Wat Phabad, Pakse's oldest temple, is believed to house a footprint of Buddha, highlighting the deep-rooted religious practices in the region.
Pakse's legacy extends beyond its temples. The Champasak Museum immerses visitors in local history and culture through its collections of archaeological artifacts and handicrafts. The former Boun Oum Palace, now converted into a hotel, embodies a part of the region's political history. Furthermore, French colonial architecture remains present, with buildings like the small Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving as a reminder of the external influences that shaped the city.
The local life in Pakse is equally captivating. The vibrant and colorful Dao Heuang Market is the hub of daily life, where one discovers a fusion of fresh produce, handicrafts, and Lao culinary delights, reflecting the city's diverse Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai communities. Finally, the ceremonies and monastic life observed at religious sites offer an authentic glimpse into the living spirituality and traditions that animate Pakse's heritage.
Food & Drinks
Khao Jee Pate, a popular street food sandwich
In Pakse, the cuisine is a delightful exploration of Lao flavors, enriched by Thai, Vietnamese, and French influences, offering a true feast for the senses. Among the must-try dishes, don't miss Khao Piak Sen, a comforting soup of thick rice noodles, often prepared with chicken or fish and fragrant with lemongrass. Mok Pa is a unique culinary experience, where fresh fish is delicately steamed in banana leaves with chilies and lemongrass, revealing subtle aromas.
Laap, considered Laos' national dish, is a salad of finely minced meat (chicken, pork, beef, or duck) seasoned with citrus, chili, ginger, lemongrass, onions, and mint – a symbol of good fortune often shared with guests. Grilled Chicken (Ping Kai), marinated in local spices and cooked over an open fire, offers tender meat and flavorful skin, ideally paired with sticky rice (Khao Niaow), the ubiquitous staple food in Pakse.
For those who enjoy spicy dishes, curries and Masaman curry stir-fries, made with meat or seafood, are generously prepared with coconut milk and local aromatic herbs. For a quick snack, Khao Jee Pâté, a popular street food sandwich filled with salad, tomatoes, onions, liver pâté, and pork, is highly favored. Finally, stir-fried water morning glory, often simply prepared with garlic or basil, is a common accompaniment that perfectly complements any meal.
Directions
Location
Pakse is located about 700 km south of Vientiane and approximately 1,200 km south of Hanoi.
How to get there
From Vientiane: You can take a bus or a direct flight from Vientiane to Pakse. The bus ticket price is around 150,000 LAK, and the flight ticket price is approximately 1,000,000 LAK.
From Hanoi: You can take a direct flight from Hanoi to Pakse. The flight ticket price is about 2,000,000 VND.
Best season
The best time to visit Pakse is from November to February, during the dry season. The temperatures are pleasant, and there is little rainfall.