Paksan (Muang Pakxan) lies in the central west region of Laos, in the largely boring Bolikhamsai Province. Very few people head to Paksan on its own merits, but instead it is used as a transit town on the way in or out of Thailand.
Paksan is a tiny town right on the Nam San and Mekong rivers and is opposite the north Isaan Thai town of Bung Kan. It is the provincial capital of Bolikhamsai, but don’t let this title suggest to you anything more than a sleepy border town with little to see or do.
The locals in Paksan are a friendly bunch, however, and there are a few restaurants to have a bite to eat and meet other travelers.
Getting There & Away
Paksan is about 100 miles to the east of the capital Vientiane, where Laos‘ main international airport is situated. Regular buses head this way from Vientiane on their way to Tha Khaek and make stops at Paksan, taking about 4 hours along Route 13. Buses also stop here when coming to Vientiane from the Vietnamese border.
Things to Do
Paksan Attractions
- Walking to the river
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Paksan has very little to do other than walking to the river and peering across at bung kan in thailand.
- Nam Kading River
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Boat trips along this river are quite popular if you fancy hanging around.
- Exploring Bolikhamsai Province
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While not the most beautiful of areas in laos, this province does have some fabulous scenery but hiring a guide is a must due to unexploded ordinance.