Pakse is a popular destination in Laos but is often used as a transit stopover rather than a holiday hotspot. Pakse has an attractive landscape, with flowing rivers and rice fields all hosting spectacular mountainous backdrops.
It is a great spot to use as a base to explore Champasak Province, even though the infrastructure and amenities are not as well developed as in the more popular destination of Luang Prabang. There are a scattering of interesting temples to visit and the two rivers provide visitors with nice sunset views and fun places to enjoy local dishes.
The Laotian hospitality is always friendly and the hospitality in Pakse is no different. The guest houses and restaurants are improving all the time as a successful way of luring tourists and giving Pakse visitors more than just a curious glance on their way through.
The town is very Thai in its style and most people speak a limited amount of English. The eastern bank of the Se Don River is where the best choice of guest houses and accommodation can be found. There are also some tasty eateries to choose from including Indian, Malay, Vietnamese, Italian and Korean as well as traditional Laotian restaurants.
Getting There & Away
There is an airport only one kilometer from the town and welcomes many flights from most Laos hotspots as well as from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Buses are popular with travelers and there are regular services to many places including to Vientiane (10 hours). Boats are another good form of transport with the main drawback being their tortoise-like pace, but they offer the best views and are a great way to take in the sights of the country.
Things to Do
Pakse Attractions
- Wat Phou
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This temple dates back the khmer era and is among the interesting wat to visit in the area.
- Boloven Plateau
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This lovely area is not far from pakse and is a fertile plain famous for its coffee growth.
- Tad Fane
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A double waterfall set with an equally stunning backdrop of mountains and greenery.
- Tad Nguing
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This waterfall is not as famous as its neighbor but it is a pretty place to visit and take photographs.
- The local hill tribes
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These are interesting to visit on a guided tour.
- The local market
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This is a bustling example of laotian life and a good place to find a bargain holiday souvenir.
- The bowling alley
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The alley is a short walk from the main part of town and is popular among locals and tourists.