Overview

The quaint, charming riverside city of Pakse is located at the confluence of the Xe Don and the mighty Mekong River. It is the capital and most populous city of the southern Laotian province of Champasak in southern Laos. Decorated with lavish Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture, surrounded by scenic natural wonders including rivers, stunning waterfalls, and coffee plantations. The town offers a relaxing, tranquil atmosphere and is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region and attractions such as the Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phu Champasak.

Things to see and do

Visit Wat Phousalao temple, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khmer temple complex in Champasak Province in Laos. The impressive temple was built in the 11th century. It was once a central Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Shiva. These majestic ruins sit on a hill overlooking the mighty Mekong River and other scenic landscapes. 

See Wat Luang temple, built in 1935, and witness its grandeur with intricate carvings and paintings that depict the stories of Buddha and Buddhist teachings. It is one of the largest and most ancient temples in Pakse. 

Check out the Bolaven Plateau, this elevated region is decorated with lush highlands that boast a wealth of national parks, coffee plantations, stunning waterfalls, and verdant jungles. Explore the region, whether it be on a hike through a national park or a visit to a coffee plantation, there is plenty to see and do. 

The Bolaven Plateau is Laos’ premier coffee-growing region and produces some of the finest Arabica and Robusta beans in the world. A visit to a coffee plantation will allow visitors to witness the coffee-making process from bean to cup. 

The Tad Lo Waterfall is the largest in Laos. It is located in an area and part of a trio of falls set along a hiking trail. The Tad Hang waterfall is the first found right outside of the Tad Lor village, and the Tad Suong waterfall is another 5 miles upstream with several vantage points along the way. Each waterfall is higher and more magnificent than the previous one as you move upstream. The impressive falls cascade down into a pool where visitors can cool off after a hot, strenuous hike, sit back, and enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings. 

Go on an exhilarating ziplining adventure!! You can take many different ziplining routes in the region, a very popular one is over the Tad Fane Waterfall!! Soar 1000 feet above the ground on the highest zipline in Laos with the twin falls of Tad Fane right underneath you, such a special, scenic, and unique experience. The longest zipline spans 1540 feet. Another unique yet interesting ziplining experience is drinking a coffee on a zipline while suspended 1000 feet above the waterfalls!! 

Visit the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum and delve into the history and culture of Champasak Province. Discover some of the highlights of the museum, which include ancient bronze drums, stone carvings that were unearthed on the Bolaven Plateau, stelae with Tham script from the 15th and 18th centuries, Khmer stone carvings, and musical instruments.

Shopping

There are some wonderful shopping experiences to enjoy in Pakse, including bustling, vibrant markets. Shopping in Pakse is a great way to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs and finds. The Champasak Plaza Shopping Center is conveniently located in the heart of the city, a one-stop shop with stalls brimming with souvenirs, silk, electronics, products, clothes, and handicrafts. The market offers plenty of great food at the food market, and theres also free concerts and performances held occasionally. The Dao Hueng Market is near the Lao-Japanese bridge and offers shoppers an interesting glimpse into the life of Paske’s locals, especially in the bustling food section. It is a treasure trove of culinary delights, so be sure to come hungry. There are rows of food stalls with plenty of delicious street food, snacks, and delicacies. The Pakse Morning Market offers an early morning dose of local charm in the heart of the city with several colorful stalls selling an abundance of fresh, local produce and food. There are more stalls selling clothing, handcrafted souvenirs, and jewelry.

Dining

Pakse boasts a good selection of restaurants in town and offers some excellent food; it is a foodie’s paradise. There are options to dine on a delicious array of local Laotian cuisine alongside a variety of other international cuisines, including European, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Western, and Vietnamese. The restaurants in Pakse are found in four main areas of town. There are many restaurants dotted along the river banks of the Xe Don River, many of which are floating eateries that overlook the temples. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the streets of the town center. The main tourist area along 13 Road between the western bridge and the first roundabout is another popular dining destination along the Mekong Riverbanks. There are a lot of food stalls and hotels with restaurants centered around the Champasak Shopping Center Market and the Pakse Hotel.

Lao dishes are made with a mixture of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and unique regional specialties. Staple ingredients may include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mint, fish sauce, tamarind, and chili peppers to name a few. Some classic Lao dishes include Laap (minced meat salad), Khao Piak Sen (rice noodle soup), Khao Niaw (sticky rice), Mok Pa (steamed fish), Sai Oua (Lao sausages), Luang Prabang salad with a zesty dressing, Jaew a dipping sauce, and more adventurous options like rat stock based Khao Soi Soup, which is a local specialty. A few popular dishes to be sure to try include Khao Niaw (sticky rice), often served with grilled meats, fish, salads, or omelets.

Nightlife

Pakse’s nightlife is pretty laidback, offering a selection of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs dotted around town and along the riverbanks. There are some great opportunities to soak in a spectacular sunset from one of the many bars that line the Mekong River banks. Many high-end hotels boast some stunning rooftop or pool bars with great views as well. There’s a good selection of rustic bars in Pakse, with a few offering live music and entertainment for the evening, theres a great laid-back vibe. Some lively nightclubs play the latest hits and offer dancing in a lively atmosphere.