Champasak province is one of the most economically developed provinces of Laos and shares a border with Thailand and Cambodia. Away from Laos’s other tourist hubs such as Luang Prabang, the province has started attracting increasing numbers of tourists looking for a valuable cultural experience.
The capital of the province is Pakse, where the Mekong and Nam Xe rivers meet. It is a friendly town with accommodation to cater to the needs of travelers and is a good launching point for excursions to places in Champasak. Its hospitability ensures travelers spend a nice time here and often stay longer than planned.
The province is worldly renowned for its pre-Angkorian site, Vat Phu (‘mountain temple’) located close to Pakse. It is a Hindu temple built under the Khmer empire in the 5th century and is today listed as World Heritage site by the UNESCO. From the terraces visitors enjoy a stunning view over the Mekong. From Pakse, Vat Phu is easily reached by boat along the river.
Other highlights in the province include the Khone waterfalls, on the Mekong, the ‘4,000 islands’ (Si Phan Don) that emerge from these rapids, and the Bolaven plateau, with its fertile soil suitable for agriculture and the vivid rural life of its ethnic minorities.
Pakse has an airport and a bridge crosses the Mekong to Thailand. The road network in the province is good and motorbike riders will enjoy getting around.