Attapeu, Laos: travel guide
Remote southern province town on the Xe Kaman river
Remote Southern Region — a peaceful area known for national parks and natural attractions.
About Attapeu
Attapeu is a small, quiet town in the far south of Laos, close to the borders with Vietnam and Cambodia. It lies on the Xe Kaman river and is one of the country's more remote provincial centres, rarely visited by travellers.
The town's riverside setting is the main attraction, and the provincial museum offers some local context. Beyond it lie forested uplands and the Dong Ampham national park area, which draw visitors interested in wild country and trekking with local guides.
Attapeu suits adventurous travellers exploring southern Laos off the usual route. The cooler dry months from November to February are the easiest for getting around.
- Country
- Laos
- Currency
- LAK
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Last updated
Top places to visit in Attapeu
Xe Kaman River Attapeu
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The Xe Kaman River flows through Attapeu province, passing pristine jungle and remote ethnic minority villages. Offers boat trips, swimming spots and fishing in one of Laos' least-visited regions.
Attapeu Provincial Museum
Museum · 3.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A small museum documenting the history, culture and ethnic diversity of Attapeu province, including the Ho Chi Minh Trail, local minority groups (Brao, Katu, Yae) and traditional crafts.
Dong Ampham National Park Gateway
Wildlife · 4.4 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest national protected area in Laos (2,000 sq km), sheltering Indochinese tigers, Asian elephants and gibbons. Access requires licensed guides via Attapeu. One of the last true wildernesses in mainland Southeast Asia.
Things to do
- Xe Kaman River Boat & Village Tour River & Village Tour · 5 h · from LAK 478,000 per person
- Dong Ampham National Park Day Trek Wildlife · 8 h · from LAK 957,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Attapeu River & Rainforest Discovery 8 h · from LAK 957,000
Where to stay in Attapeu
- Attapeu Town Centre about LAK 1,660 per night
The small riverside town centre of Attapeu — Laos's most remote provincial capital. Authentic, virtually tourist-free, and the sole gateway to Dong Ampham National Park and Xe Kaman River boat trips. Accommodation is…
Hotels
- Attapeu Star Hotel 2-star · LAK 390,201 to LAK 775,700 per night
- Phonesavanh Guesthouse Attapeu LAK 136,335 to LAK 390,201 per night
Where to eat
- Sabaidee Restaurant Attapeu Lao, Asian · about LAK 47,012 per person
- Phonesavanh Hotel Restaurant Lao, International · about LAK 105,777 per person
Getting to Attapeu
Airport: Attapeu (AOU)
Getting around
- Motorbike Rental
- Tuktuk
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial Guide Overcharging for National Park
Attapeu Town, near provincial offices
Unlicensed individuals near the market or bus station offer to take tourists to Dong Ampham National Park or ethnic villages at very low prices. These "guides" lack permits, may not speak local minority languages, and visits may be exploitative or disrespectful.
How to avoid it: Only book national park and village visits through the official Attapeu Provincial Tourism Office. Licensed guides have permits and community relationships. The slightly higher cost funds conservation and ensures responsible tourism.
Best time to visit Attapeu
- Jan 28°C
- Feb 31°C
- Mar 33°C
- Apr 35°C
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct 29°C
- Nov 29°C
- Dec 28°C
More in Laos
Frequently asked questions about Attapeu
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Attapeu?
- The highest-rated places in our Attapeu guide are Xe Kaman River Attapeu, Dong Ampham National Park Gateway, Attapeu Provincial Museum.
- Where should I stay in Attapeu?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Attapeu: Attapeu Town Centre.
- How do I get around Attapeu?
- Ways to get around Attapeu covered in our guide: Motorbike rental, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Attapeu?
- Scams reported to us for Attapeu include Unofficial Guide Overcharging for National Park. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Attapeu?
- Average daytime highs in Attapeu run from 28°C in Dec to 35°C in Apr.