North Laos
Central Laos
South Laos
Champasak is rapidly emerging as a shining star on Laos' tourism map, and your journey to this region will likely start in the town of Pakse. While many travelers might be tempted to head straight out to explore the greater Champasak area, spending a few days in Pakse can have its own unique rewards. This serene town, nestled at the confluence of the Xedone and Mekong Rivers, serves as an excellent base for exploring southern Laos.
To help you make the most of your stay in this hilltop retreat, here’s a comprehensive guide by Laos Travel Packages to Pakse Tours & Excursions, including the best times to visit, top attractions, and essential travel tips.
Pakse is a charming town located in Champasak Province, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Xedone and Mekong Rivers. It borders several other provinces in Laos, including Xekong, Salavan, and Attopu, and shares its southern boundary with Cambodia’s Stung Treng Province. To the west, it borders Thailand’s Udon Ratchathani Province.
is Pakse worth visiting? While the town itself offers a laid-back atmosphere, Pakse is a great starting point for checking out some of Laos' top spots. One of the main draws is its proximity to Wat Phu, a UNESCO World Heritage site with origins dating back to the 5th century. Additionally, the Bolaven Plateau, with its cooler climate, rich coffee plantation Pakse, and stunning waterfalls, is just a short drive away.
Though not yet a major backpacker hub like Luang Prabang, Pakse is gaining popularity among those seeking a more authentic Lao experience. Here, you can savor locally grown coffee, enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Mekong, and take Pakse day tours in the surrounding countryside. Renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore the area, offering the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
The best time to drop by Pakse is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. The Pakse climate is warm and perfect for outdoor activities during this time. For those thinking about exploring the Bolaven Plateau or going on a Mekong River cruise, November to January is the right time, with cooler temperatures and higher water levels making it ideal to soak in the region’s natural beauty. But the green in the wet season also has its charm, with the waterfalls at their most impressive and the landscape bursting with life.
One of the best things to do in Pakse is by cycling along the Mekong River. The peaceful riverside paths offer stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset. As you pedal, you'll pass by local villages, lush greenery, and various small temples. Don’t miss out on enjoying the fresh breeze along the cycling routes!
Perched on a hill overlooking Pakse, the Golden Buddha is a must-see attraction. The massive statue offers a place for quiet reflection and panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape. The climb to the top is rewarded with a breathtaking vista over Pakse town, especially during the golden hour.
One of the most relaxing activities you can do in Pakse is to find a quiet spot along the bank of the Mekong River, string up a hammock, and let time drift by. The gentle flow of the river, the rustle of the leaves, and the distant sounds of the town create a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can read a book, listen to music, or simply enjoy the natural beauty, hammocking by the Mekong is a peaceful way to soak in the tranquil vibes of Pakse.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Wat Phu is an ancient Khmer temple complex located just outside Pakse. The ruins, which date back to the 5th century, are set against a backdrop of mountains and forests. Exploring the site, you'll find intricately carved stone structures, remnants of ancient shrines, and stunning views from the top of the temple.
Cycle your bike to Daoheuang Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It's a great place to try local delicacies, buy souvenirs, and Pakse coffee, and then observe the daily life of the people in Pakse. The market is bustling with activity and offers a vibrant snapshot of life in southern Laos. Or you can even enjoy the Pakse night market, it’s worth visiting in Pakse nightlife too!
A cruise on the Mekong River is a relaxing way to see the natural beauty of Pakse and its surroundings. Whether you choose a short boat ride or a longer cruise, you'll enjoy views of the lush riverbanks, local villages, and possibly even the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins. Sunsets over the Mekong are particularly magical and are best enjoyed from the deck of a boat.
Looking for an exciting adventure? Don't miss the chance to drive the Bolaven Plateau loop! This amazing Pakse loop tour will take you through stunning coffee plantations, breathtaking waterfalls, and charming remote villages. Whether you're a motorbike enthusiast or just love scenic drives, this mix of paved and dirt roads has something for everyone. Take your time to stop at different viewpoints, and try delicious local coffee in the natural beauty of the plateau.
To fully travel in Pakse, consider spending 3-5 days exploring both the town and its surrounding attractions.
How to travel to Pakse? As located in the far southern of Laos, getting to Pakse is more convenient by flight, if travel by bus you will travel overland through Thailand to reach there.
The fastest way to get from Vientiane to Pakse is by taking a direct Vientiane to Pakse flight, which takes about 1.5 hours. If you prefer a more scenic journey, overnight buses are available, taking about 10-12 hours. Along the way, you can make stops at several points of interest, such as Phou Khao Khouay National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, and Savannakhet, a town with colonial architecture and a tranquil riverside setting.
The journey from Vang Vieng to Pakse by bus takes around 15-16 hours. The route passes through Vientiane, where you can see the capital’s key landmarks like Patuxai and That Luang before continuing south. Meanwhile, a private car from Vientiane to Pakse takes around 10-12 hours, depending on road conditions.
A direct flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse takes about 1.5 hours, providing an efficient way to cover the distance while enjoying views of the Mekong River and surrounding mountains.
The bus ride from Luang Prabang to Pakse takes approximately 22-24 hours. The route takes you through several interesting stops, such as Phou Khoun, where you can enjoy stunning mountain views, and Thakhek, known for its impressive caves and riverside scenery. As you approach Pakse, the road offers views of the Mekong River and the Bolaven Plateau, making the drive a scenic adventure.
Above are all the detailed self-sufficient Pakse Laos travel experiences that you can refer to. Laos Travel Packages hopes that the majestic wild natural beauty of nature and interesting activities here will help you have interesting experiences when coming to Pakeng. If you want to plan your Pakse day trips in particular or Champasak in general, contact us to get free quotes!
