Top places to visit in Pakse

• Wat Phu Champasak UNESCO Temple

  temple · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  A magnificent pre-Angkor Khmer temple complex on the slopes of Phu Pasak mountain, predating Angkor Wat by centuries. The mountain-hugging terraces, stone lingas, and sacred spring create an extraordinary spiritual landscape. UNESCO World…

• Si Phan Don Four Thousand Islands

  island · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate

  The Four Thousand Islands region where the Mekong fans out into dozens of channels through a labyrinth of sandbars and islands at the Cambodian border. The combination of giant waterfalls, rare dolphins, and island life makes this one of…

• Dao Heuang Market Pakse

  market · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Pakse largest market covering everything from fresh produce to textiles, hardware, and electronics. The food section is excellent for local Lao breakfasts — baguettes, Lao coffee, and noodle soups.

• Irrawaddy River Dolphin Viewing

  sanctuary · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  The critically endangered Irrawaddy river dolphin survives in a small pool of the Mekong near Don Khon and Don Det. Boat trips to the dolphin pool offer sightings of these rare freshwater dolphins between December and May.

• Tad Lo Bolaven Plateau Falls

  waterfall · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall on the Xe Set River in the Bolaven Plateau foothills surrounded by an Alak ethnic minority village. Swimming, elephant rides, and an elephant sanctuary nearby.

• Pakse Evening Mekong Market

  market · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  Pakse evening market along the Mekong with food stalls selling grilled Mekong fish, papaya salad, sticky rice, and cold BeerLao with river views.

• Tad Yuang Waterfall Bolaven

  waterfall · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  A beautiful waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau easily accessible from the main Bolaven loop road — two tiers of falls with a good swimming hole at the base. Popular picnic spot for Pakse locals at weekends.

• Wat Luang Pakse Main Temple

  temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  The most important and centrally located temple in Pakse, housing a school for Buddhist monks and a large complex with multiple shrines. The temple compound fronts directly onto the main road through central Pakse.

• Se Pian National Protected Area

  sanctuary · 4.6 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A large national protected area east of Pakse covering wetlands, forests, and the Se Pian River, home to rare wildlife including giant ibis, white-shouldered ibis, and banteng. A birdwatcher and wildlife destination of international…

• Se Done River and Wetlands Pakse

  wetland · 4.3 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  The confluence of the Se Done River and the Mekong near Pakse creates extensive wetlands and sandbars that attract migratory birds from November to March. Boat trips explore the wetlands and pass traditional fishing communities.

• Tomo Temple Ruins

  archaeological · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A small but evocative pre-Angkor Khmer temple ruin on an island in the Mekong near Champasak, accessible only at low water season by boat. The laterite stone blocks, carved lintels, and isolated setting make it a fascinating and rarely…

• Phu Asa Hilltop Ancient Ruins

  archaeological · 4.2 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  Ancient stone ruins on a hilltop plateau near Champasak predating the Khmer period. Stone lintels, walls, and structural foundations in a forested hilltop setting with views over the Mekong floodplain.

Things to do

• Pakse Si Phan Don 4000 Islands Hammock Life Boat · 10 h · from LAK 691,000 per person
• Pakse Wat Phu Khmer Temple Full Day Heritage Tour Heritage · 8 h · from LAK 807,000 per person
• Pakse Mekong Sunset Heritage Cruise Champasak Boat · 3 h · from LAK 576,000 per person
• Pakse Paksong Bolaven Coffee Estate Day Trip Nature · 8 h · from LAK 691,000 per person
• Pakse Irrawaddy Dolphin Boat Si Phan Don Critical Wildlife · 6 h · from LAK 691,000 per person
• Pakse Bolaven Plateau Tat Fan Tat Yuang Waterfalls Adventure · 8 h · from LAK 576,000 per person
• Pakse Traditional Lao Cooking Class Champasak Heritage · 5 h · from LAK 461,000 per person
• Pakse Mekong Plains Cycling Lao Village Life Sightseeing · 6 h · from LAK 346,000 per person

Day trips and tours

• Wat Phu & Bolaven Plateau Grand Loop 10 h · from LAK 1,339,000

Where to stay in Pakse

• Route 13 South — Mekong–Se Don Confluence about LAK 4,200 per night

  The main hotel and restaurant strip in Pakse running along Route 13 near the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. Champasak Palace Hotel landmark, Delta Coffee row, and easy minivan access to Wat Phu and the…

Hotels

• La Folie Lodge Pakse 5-star · LAK 2,000,000 to LAK 6,000,000 per night
• Residence Sisouk Pakse Hotel 4-star · LAK 600,000 to LAK 1,600,000 per night
• Daosavanh Resort & Spa Pakse 5-star · LAK 1,500,000 to LAK 4,500,000 per night
• River Resort Champasak 4-star · USD 90 to USD 220 per night
• Tad Fane Resort Paksong 4-star · LAK 800,000 to LAK 2,200,000 per night
• Wat Phu Lodge Pakse 4-star · LAK 600,000 to LAK 1,600,000 per night

Where to eat

• Morning Market Pakse Food Stalls Lao, Street Food, Market · about LAK 25,000 per person
• Xe Don Riverside Lao BBQ Night Lao, Barbecue, Seafood · about LAK 70,000 per person
• Mekong River Sunset Bar Pakse Bar, Lao, Street Food · about LAK 60,000 per person
• Lao Sausage Night Market Stall Lao, Street Food, Barbecue · about LAK 30,000 per person
• Tam Mak Hoong Champion Pakse Lao, Street Food, Regional · about LAK 25,000 per person
• Pakse Juice and Smoothie Bar Drinks, Healthy, Lao · about LAK 20,000 per person
• Champasak Coconut Ice Cream Stall Lao, Desserts, Street Food · about LAK 15,000 per person
• Pakse Night Food Market Extension Lao, Street Food, Market · about LAK 25,000 per person

Getting to Pakse

Airport: Pakse (PKZ)

How visitors arrive in Pakse

• Fly into Pakse International Airport By air from Bangkok / Vientiane / Siem Reap · common

  The only international airport in southern Laos, with flights from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Vientiane. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Bus via the Chong Mek / Vang Tao border By road from Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) · common

  Travellers often reach Ubon Ratchathani by train or plane, then take a cross-border bus to Pakse. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Overnight bus from Vientiane By road from Vientiane · possible

  VIP sleeper buses run the long way down from the capital. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

• Tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi

  Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the usual way into town from the airport, which is just north-west of the centre. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the bus terminal to the centre

• Tuk-tuk to or from the bus stations

  The northern and southern bus stations are well out of town; tell a tuk-tuk driver your destination. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Scooter Rental useful for some trips

  Scooters and motorbikes can be rented from agencies, guesthouses and some hotels in Pakse, a common way to explore the Bolaven Plateau.

• Tuktuk main way to get around

  Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the main local transport in Pakse, gathering near the market and the main road east of the airport bridge.

• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Tuk-tuk "free tour"

  Major tourist zones

  Cheap city tour ends at gem shops where the driver collects commission.

  How to avoid it: Use LOCA app. Confirm destination + price first.

• Fake Bus/Tour Booking

  Pakse bus station, guest house touts

  Unlicensed touts near the Pakse bus terminal sell "express" bus tickets to tourist destinations at inflated prices, sometimes for routes that don't exist on the claimed schedule. Tickets may be for lower-quality services.

  How to avoid it: Buy bus tickets only from the official ticket office at Pakse Northern Bus Terminal or from well-reviewed travel agents. Compare prices and schedules. Confirm your departure point — some services depart from different terminals.

• Motorbike Rental Damage Scam

  Rental shops along Route 13, Pakse

  Same scam as Vang Vieng — rental shops claim damage on return that was pre-existing, demanding large deposits or extra payment.

  How to avoid it: Thoroughly photograph all existing damage before accepting any rental vehicle. Use shops recommended by your guesthouse and check recent reviews. Avoid paying large cash deposits.

Best time to visit Pakse

• Jan 33°C
• Feb 35°C
• Mar 36°C
• Apr 36°C
• May 36°C
• Jun 34°C
• Jul 32°C
• Aug 31°C
• Sep 31°C
• Oct 30°C
• Nov 30°C
• Dec 31°C

More in Laos

• Vientiane
• Luang Prabang
• Vang Vieng
• Savannakhet
• Don Det
• Phonsavan

Frequently asked questions about Pakse

How many days do you need in Pakse?

A typical trip to Pakse is 2-3 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Pakse?

The highest-rated places in our Pakse guide are Wat Phu Champasak UNESCO Temple, Si Phan Don Four Thousand Islands, Se Pian National Protected Area, Irrawaddy River Dolphin Viewing, Tad Lo Bolaven Plateau Falls.

Where should I stay in Pakse?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Pakse: Route 13 South — Mekong–Se Don Confluence.

How do I get around Pakse?

Ways to get around Pakse covered in our guide: Scooter rental, Tuk-tuk, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Pakse?

Scams reported to us for Pakse include Tuk-tuk "free tour"; Fake Bus/Tour Booking; Motorbike Rental Damage Scam. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Pakse?

Average daytime highs in Pakse run from 30°C in Oct to 36°C in Mar.

Which airport is nearest to Pakse?

The nearest airport to Pakse has the code PKZ.