Pakse City - more than a Gateway
The centrepiece of this hilltop temple across the Mekong from Pakse is the giant golden Buddha statue looking out over the city.
This vast market near the Lao - Japanese Bridge is one of the biggest in the country.
Champasak Palace, in Pakse, Laos, was intended to be a residence of the last Prince of Champasak, Chao Boun Oum.
Known for its large 30-meter golden Buddha statue and tranquil setting with views of the surrounding landscape.
Known for its traditional Lao weavings with unique patterns. The local craft centre was reopened in 2014 and you can see textiles being made here.
Pakse's F&B scene blends traditional Lao flavors, with emerging cafes and international influences,. Expect bold, aromatic, often spicy dishes with jungle-inspired ingredients and a mix of street food, local eateries, and tourist-friendly spots.
Highlights here include ancient bronze drums, stone carvings unearthed up on the Bolaven Plateau and the textile and jewellery collection from ethnic minorities.
Pakse is often called the gateway to Southern Laos for its role as a transport hub to the Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou, and 4,000 Islands, but it’s more than just a transit point, offering French colonial architecture, bustling markets, Mekong River life, great coffee, and a laid-back vibe to explore before venturing further, with sunset views and cultural insights.
Set at the meeting point of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, Pakse is the relaxed commercial heart of southern Laos. While many travellers pass through quickly, Pakse itself has a quiet charm, combining riverside views, colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and easy access to some of the most scenic landscapes in the country.
The city’s most recognisable landmark is Wat Phou Salao, home to a large golden Buddha overlooking the Mekong. Climb the hill at sunset and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Pakse and the surrounding countryside. In the centre of town, Wat Luang is one of the most important temples in the region, offering insight into local religious life and traditional Lao architecture.
Pakse’s French colonial past is still visible in some of its older buildings, particularly along the riverfront, and the Dao Heuang Market provides a lively introduction to everyday life in southern Laos. Here you’ll find fresh produce, coffee from the Bolaven Plateau, local snacks, and cross-border goods reflecting Pakse’s position near Thailand and Cambodia.
Food in Pakse reflects its position in Southern Laos, with hearty Lao dishes, grilled river fish, papaya salad, and sticky rice widely available. Cafés serving strong Lao coffee are common, thanks to the nearby coffee-growing regions, and riverside restaurants provide relaxed evening dining with Mekong views.
Pakse may not be a bustling tourist hub, but that is exactly its appeal. It is a practical yet pleasant base, a place to prepare for adventures into the highlands or islands, and a city that rewards those who take the time to explore its temples, markets, and riverfront atmosphere before heading further into southern Laos.
Champasak & Vat Phou
1 Day
85KM (Vat Phou) - 120KM (That Sam Pang) Round Trip
Vat Phou, Laos’ second UNESCO World Heritage Site - dating from between the 11th and 13th centuries, sits in the shadow of a holy mountain shaped like a linga.
A short ride south of Wat Phou along what was the royal road connecting this area to Angkor.
This site is unusual as it is composed of three stupas in quite good condition.
The Champasak Shadow Puppet Theatre in Southern Laos revives an ancient tradition with intricate leather puppets telling Laotian tales.
Wat Pho Xay is famous for the Pha Si Ho, a sacred rock that was discovered in 1962 on the grounds of the temple, buried underneath a large tree.
Situated on the Mekong's west bank, with a quiet riverfront, resorts, and agricultural surroundings.
The Champasak Wellness Space offers focused, non-residential spiritual retreats, primarily meditation-based
Set in stunning natural surroundings, Vat Phou, the ancient Khmer temple complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the main attraction in the area, but there is much more to be discovered. It is worth staying in the charming town of Champasak where you can discover French colonial buildings, Buddhist temples, or simply enjoy an evening in the Shadow Puppet Theatre. You could also take a relaxing massage at the Spa or take a boat to the Mekong island of Don Daeng to relax in its tranquil environment and discover local village life on a bicycle.
The Four Sisters Waterfall Area
1 Day
90KM Round Trip
The most famous of The Four Sisters, featuring twin falls plunging into a large crater.
A beautiful set of falls with accessible viewpoints at both the top and bottom.
This waterfall is for the more adventurous traveler and requires some walking to reach.
A serene waterfall with a swimming hole, ideal for relaxing and picnics.
Beautiful viewpoint
The Four Sisters Waterfalls are a popular cluster on Laos’ Bolaven Plateau, featuring distinct personalities: Tad Fane (dramatic twin falls with zip-lines), Tad Yuang (towering, great for swimming/views), Tad Champee (serene swimming hole), and the more adventurous Tad E-Tu (hidden, rewarding exploration). They are key stops on the famous Bolaven Plateau Loop, offering spectacular scenery, coffee plantations, and cultural experiences, with Tad Fane and Tad Gneuang (often called Tad Yuang) being the most famous.