Pakse
Laos · Champasak · 106 m
Description
Pakse (ປາກເຊ) is the largest city in southern Laos and the capital of Champasak Province. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, it serves as the region's economic and transportation hub as well as the main gateway to the Bolaven Plateau, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phu, and the Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) archipelago. Shaped by its French colonial heritage, Pakse combines a relaxed Lao atmosphere with lively markets, Buddhist temples, and a growing tourism infrastructure. Widely regarded as the gateway to southern Laos, it is the ideal base for exploring the region's coffee plantations, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Bolaven Plateau Loop(Day trip)
- Wat Phou(Day trip)
- Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
- French Colonial Quarter
- Mekong and Xe Don River Confluence
- Xe Don Riverside Promenade
- Wat Luang
- Wat Phabat
- Dao Heuang Market
- Pakse Night Market
- Golden Buddha (Wat Phou Salao)
- Phou Salao Viewpoint
- Japanese Bridge
- Champasak Palace Hotel
- Coffee Shops
- Bolaven Plateau Waterfalls(Day trip)
- Tad Fane Waterfall(Day trip)
- Tad Yuang Waterfall(Day trip)
- Champasak(Day trip)
- Don Daeng Island(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- PKZ