Pakse
The capital of the Champasak province, this charming city is a gateway to the 4000 Islands, Boloven Plateau, numerous national protected areas, the heritage site of Wat Phou, and Champasak. However, the city is more than its colonial buildings, in which one can venture into jungles and bask in nature in the outskirts. With an international airport in the city, this destination is a good way to start or end off your trip!
Top Tours in Pakse
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LI PHI DISCOVERY
ENJOY AN IMPOSSIBLE VIEW OF LI PHI WATERFALL IN SOUTHERN LAOS
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Bolaven Plateau 2Days Trek
$223.00Explore the Bolaven Plateau and spend the night in a local village homestay
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TreeTop Explorer 3 days
$470.00The ultimate jungle adventure among waterfalls and tree houses in an incomparable mountain forest
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Fly at Tad Fane
$35.00ENJOY AN IMPOSSIBLE VIEW OF THE ICONINC TWIN CASCADE WATERFALLS THAT ARETHE IMAGE OF SOUTHERN LAOS
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TreeTop Explorer 2 days
$400.00Discover the ancient art of textile dyeing using traditional natural dyes to create your very own unique art piece
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Life of the Far South
$448.00This 3 day adventure explores the beautiful countryside, famous waterfalls, fertile farmlands, coffee plantations, and hill tribes of the south of Laos.
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Highlights of Southern Laos
$666.00See all of the highlights that the south of Laos has to offer, including the Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou and the 4000 Islands
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4000 Islands Highlights
$166.00Explore the 4000 Islands and discover the highlights of this charming part of Laos
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Bolaven Highlights Home-Stay Experience
$263.00Explore the highlights of the Bolaven Plateau and spend the night in an authentic village homestay
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Bolaven Highlights Tour
$126.00Explore the Bolaven Plateau and discover cascading waterfalls and sprawling coffee plantations
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Bolaven Plateau Trek
$100.00Trek through the lush Bolaven jungles and coffee plantations, exploring waterfalls and ethnic villages.
Wander the city streets of Pakse and take a look at the majestic statue of the Golden Buddha. Be amazed by the endless activities available, located amongst dense jungles, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Travel around and visit the villages where different local foods and ingredients are produced – sample the best Lao coffee in town and check out how sticky rice is made.
What to do in Pakse
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A day in the city
There is more to see in the city apart from the French colonial buildings. If you are up for a little adventure, head west and climb up the stairs of the Phu Salao Mountain, where the sacred Golden Buddha lies along with a beautiful gilded temple. Treat yourself to the amazing panoramic view of the Mekong Bridge and the city whilst reveling in the fresh air at the top.
For coffee and tea lovers, visit the nearby Paksong, the Coffee Capital of Laos.
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The town has developed through the growth and trading of its coffee. It possesses the ideal soil conditions, climate, and is located at a high altitude, which result in the plantation of one of the best coffees in the world. Do not hesitate to visit the town and grab yourself some top-notch tasting coffee!
Visit the mountain temple older than Ang Kor Wat, Wat Phou.
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A place of worship for Buddhists, the well-preserved temple is located in the midst of greenery. On its side, is a road leading to the remains of ancient cities. Explore the area and be mesmerized by the mystical aura enshrouding this historical site.
The Bolaven Plateau is an elevated area located in the South of the Champasak province.
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Journey through the mountains and lush forests to view some of the best landscapes, made out of towering mountains and graceful waterfalls. With its fertile soil, and ideal climate, it is home to some of the best coffee you would ever taste, so remember to sample some!
Chasing waterfalls in Southeast Asia? You are in luck as the region hosts some of the most amazing waterfalls.
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In fact, the widest waterfall in the region is located right here in Champassak. The Khone Phapheng Waterfall is crowned to be the largest waterfall by volume. Soak in the sight of the foamy, tremendously rapid waterfall, as you feel the cool breeze on your skin.
Since the province carry some of the best-tasting coffee in the world, why not add a thrilling factor to it? Chat over coffee with your partner 200m up in the air, over the spectacular cascading waterfalls of Tad Fane, surrounded by nature. Watch the twin waterfalls as water spill over the steep cliffs, flowing down endlessly. An experience made for coffee and zipline lovers.
If you have never slept in a treehouse in the middle of a jungle, here’s your chance. As you zipline your way pass trees, balance on rope bridges and climb the via ferrata, you might end up feeling a little like Tarzan as you become one with nature. Take in the sights in the day and spend the night in a treehouse, where the sound of crickets will be your lullaby.
The endangered Irrawaddy dolphins were said to be functionally extinct in Laos back in 2016 due to illegal fishing methods, increased boat traffic, and more. An incredibly heartbreaking news, seeing how adorable the dolphins are. However, they are indeed located in Champassak and so do keep an eye out for these dolphins, whom may appear from time to time. May lady luck be with you!
The 4000 Islands is the place to escape it all. Trek or cycle around the islands and interact with the locals as you observe their daily lives. Spend some time at Don Det, a quaint and charming rural town that holds river bungalows and restaurants. A place that one can easily fall in love with, explore the island and capture the picture-perfect scenery.
Tiny islands located at the Mekong Delta, take a kayaking or boat trip around the 4000 Islands along the river that connects the islands. Make a pit stop at some of the splendid waterfalls and relax as you admire nature’s beauty. Visit some of the islands and revel in the soothing atmosphere in each whilst you satisfy the adventurer in you.
Pakse by night
Instead of camping in a field, why not camp at the base of a waterfall? Dive into the plunge pool, relax, and cook up some delicious food with a campfire. Rest in a mini paradise for a night, next to a glorious waterfall, in the middle of a jungle. As lovely as this sounds, it is recommended to carry this out by joining a trekking tour.
Head out to a rooftop bar to grab a drink and unwind to the picturesque city view as you end the day. One of the recommended rooftop bars to patronize would be La Panorama at Pakse Hotel. An essential experience in Pakse, savour local delights as you cruise through the river and enjoy the beautiful sunset on the horizon.
When to go to Pakse
There are two distinct seasons in Laos, which is the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is from May to October, where you can partake in some activities that are especially amazing for this season. For example, you can kayak along the rivers to explore the 4000 Islands, view the cascading twin waterfalls of Tad Fane, and enjoy the sight of lush green farmlands and fields.
During the dry season, you can experience winter in Laos from November to February, and summer from March to April. It may drop to approximately 15 degrees during winter and can go up to the 30s in the summer, so make sure to prepare well for these temperatures.
The weather today in Pakse
How to get around Pakse
From & To the airport
Taxi
Take a taxi from the taxi stand located in the airport. Simply state where you are headed towards and your taxi will be arranged upon payment. A fast, simple, and efficient way of travelling after a long flight.
Private Minivan
Book a private minivan from the international airport to your accommodation. You can do so with transportation companies or tour companies.
In the city
Walk
The central area of Pakse is small enough for you to wander around its streets as you head from place to place. However, there are still places that may be too far for you to walk.
Tuk-tuk
The friendly Tuk-tuk drivers would be more than happy to bring you around Pakse and are located in many places. If there is no rate stated on the tuk-tuk, do try to bargain for a cheaper price and make sure that the driver is clear of the bargained price.
Motorbike
Rent a motorbike at a rental shop and whizz your way through town. However, make sure that you are allowed to legally drive a motorbike in Laos and always wear a helmet before deciding on riding the motorbike.
Bicycle
The bicycle is a lovely way to explore Pakse, whereby you can cycle several kilometers between the place of interests. Not only is it a healthier way, it also allows you to stop when you want to check out a certain place or observe an event.
Tours
Join tours where guides will bring you around Pakse, feeding you with all the information you would need on the history, culture, and traditions of Pakse and its people. One of the best ways to experience the city, check out the tours offered now!
Out of the city
Shared/Private Minivan
Take a minivan out of Pakse, to numerous exciting tourists spots. You can also take the minivan to a different province or city in Laos. You may grab a shared or private minivan there. You can book through transportation or tour companies.
Bus
There are bus services, heading out of Pakse to other cities and provinces, by some transportation companies. These buses area scheduled to go several times a day, so do check the schedule and prices before hand and book a ticket.
Tuk-tuk
There are some tuk-tuks that would bring visitors to tourist spots out of Pakse. These tuk-tuks may be located around the city, or under some transportation companies.
What to eat in Pakse
Some ways to get to Pakse
*price range is according to price for one-way
*disclaimer: the prices are approximate
*LEGEND:
$: 0-25
$$: 26-50
$$$: 51-100
$$$$: >100
| Flight | Bus/Van |
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Direct flight from Bangkok 1 hour 30 minutes Direct flight from Ho Chi Minh 1 hour 35 minutes Direct flight from Siem Reap 1 hour Flight directly from Vientiane 1 hour 20 minutes |
Bus from Siem Reap 10-12 hour Fairly convenient Sleeper bus from Vientiane 10-12 hour Bus from Thakhek 10 hour Bus from Bangkok 13 hour |
What bring to Pakse
Tips
Money exchange
It is ideal to use USD as the currency to conduct your currency exchange here. Some of the recommended money changers would be -.
Health care
If you feel uncomfortable or have fallen sick in Vientiane, you can head over to the French Clinic and Allianz Clinic Vientiane, where there are English speaking doctors working.