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Travel Guides

Pakse Travel Guide

Travel to Pakse - Great Southern-Laos Base

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Southern Laos’ Champassak Province is home to one of Asia's great, but least-visited temples, Wat Phu and Pakse is the perfect base form which to explore. Located at the confluence of the Se and Mekong Rivers Pakse is a busy market town and is located in amazing countryside. Come here en route to the Bolaven Plateau, Si Phan Don and Khone Phapeng Falls.

Only around a hundred years old Pakse has prospered since the famous Lao-Japanese Bridge linking it with Thailand was opened in 2002. It’s a laid back town relaxed Mekong-side town (though its name means ‘mouth of the Se’) with more than a few temples to discover. Much of the attraction of Pakse lies around the town – a bike ride into the countryside is great fun and there are the draws of Champasak and the silk weaving villages.

Attractions in Pakse

In town the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum is famous for its three bronze bells dating from the 7th century, but there is stonework, musical instruments, jewellery and some textiles to see too. The town has a dozen or so wats: Wat Luang is ornate and well worth a visit whilst Wat Tham Fai has a Buddha footprint.

Outside town you can head to Ban Saphai and Don Kho, an island in the Mekong, both of which are silk weaving centres.

Champasak itself lies close to Wat Phu and is a great day out: colonial buildings, traditional Lao houses and wats – great!

Activities in Pakse

Allow a day to see the sights and enjoy the atmosphere of the town and a couple more to explore the surroundings, including Wat Phu.

Relaxing

A bike ride is the perfect way to relax – head out into the countryside and make some new friends

Getting Around

The town is not really small enough to explore on foot comfortably - you’ll need a bike or to hire tuk tuks. Songthaews travel regularly to Champasak and Ban Saphai.