It has always been a dream of mine to explore Laos beyond the usual beaten path, and this year, I finally had the chance to visit Southern Laos and explore Pakse, home to the stunning Wat Phou, a Khmer temple that predates even Angkor Wat, countless breathtaking waterfalls, and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet in Laos.
This area is far removed from tourist hotspots like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, giving it a unique charm all its own. If you're planning to venture off the beaten path in Laos, Pakse is a great place to base yourself as you explore Southern Laos, and this travel guide is here to help you plan your trip. So let's begin and make this adventure happen, shall we?
Pakse Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Pakse
1. Explore Wat Phou
One of the highlights of visiting Pakse, and the main reason I made this trip to Champasak Province in Southern Laos, was to see Wat Phou with my own eyes. This remarkable Khmer temple even predates Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.
One of the first things you'll notice here is how photogenic the surrounding scenery is. The temple was built at the base of Mount Phou Khao way back in the 5th century during the Chenla Kingdom period, before it became part of the Khmer Empire.
When you first arrive, you'll hop onto a golf cart that will take you to the temple located at the foothill of the mountain. From there, you’ll walk along a beautiful pathway leading up to the two remaining palaces and then continue up the mountain to a hidden shrine.
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Once you reach the two palaces, be sure to take a look at the one on the right, where you’ll get a breathtaking view of the revered mountain towering over it. This is an iconic shot of the temple, one you definitely won’t want to miss, make sure to snap some photos!
You can spend some time exploring both palaces before you continue along the pathway towards the stone stairway that will take you to another stunning temple located way up the hill.
It's quite a climb, and certain sections are pretty steep, but the view from the top is absolutely worth the effort. From up there, you'll have an incredible vantage point over the palaces, as well as the reservoir that once fed the surrounding communities. You’ll also see endless rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s truly a sight to behold.
Be sure to take some time to explore the temple and shrines up there. The small temple itself features stunning rock carvings and houses a collection of Buddha images. If you’ve ever dreamed of being Indiana Jones or Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, this is the perfect place to live out that adventure! 😉
Once you've finished exploring, take the golf cart back, but before you leave, make sure to visit the museum at the entrance. They have an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the site. In fact, if you're observant, you might even notice that excavation and renovation work is still underway, especially on the palace to the left.
Wat Phou is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 55,000 LAK, with an additional 20,000 LAK for car parking. This is hands down one of the most beautiful Khmer temples you'll encounter in Laos, so be sure to visit and experience it for yourself!
Where to Stay in Pakse?
2. Zip-line across Tad Fane Waterfall
The Bolaven Plateau is one of the most stunning highlands to explore in Southern Laos, and one of its crown jewels is Tad Fane Waterfall. This twin waterfall, formed by the convergence of the Champee and Pak Koot rivers, plunges over 120 meters into a lush, mist-filled gorge. It doesn't get more photogenic than this!
The waterfall is located inside a resort, and they have built many cool facilities you can enjoy, from a lovely cafe with a grand view of the waterfall from above, to walkways with viewpoints where you can take photos.
They've also built a zip-line that flies across the gorge, allowing you to witness the waterfall up close as you zip through the air like a gibbon. It's one of the best experiences here! If you're interested in zip-lining, you can book online or pay when you arrive. The price is around 60 USD per person.
The entrance fee for the waterfall is 30,000 LAK (1.5 USD), with an additional 25,000 LAK (1.25 USD) for car parking. Tad Fane Waterfall is open daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. If you're looking for a fun adventure activity, be sure to check out Tad Fane Waterfall!
3. Hike Around Tad Yeung Waterfall
Located not too far from Tad Fane Waterfall, you will also find another awesome natural wonder, Tad Yeung Waterfall, another twin waterfall that is more accessible than Tad Fane Waterfall, and you can actually swim in it.
Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will have to hike down through a thick forest on stone stairs for about 2 minutes before you arrive at an opening with a grand view of the waterfall. From the ridge, you can hike to different viewpoints, or you can hike down to the waterfall and go for a swim.
It's definitely a beautiful waterfall, but the trail can get pretty crowded. If you are looking for a quieter place to swim, don't swim here yet; wait for the next waterfall on this list! Trust me, it's way better for swimming than here.
Tad Yeung Waterfall is open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entrance fee is 30,000 LAK (1.5 USD), with an additional 25,000 LAK (1.25 USD) for car parking. Since it's so near to Tad Fane Waterfall, you might as well come and visit this place.
4. Swim at Tad Champee Waterfall
One of the best waterfalls to swim at here is Tad Champee Waterfall, located not too far from the other falls. However, getting there can be a bit of a challenge due to unclear signs, unreliable GPS, and the dirt roads, probably why I like it the most! It's never as crowded as the other two!
In order to get here, you will have to first drive to this dirt road and drive along it through a local village. Continue on and follow the blue sign which says "waterfall" at the bottom as shown in the picture above.
The journey to Tad Champee Waterfall should take about 20 minutes before you arrive at the parking area. From there, it's a 5-minute walk down to the stunning cascade of the waterfall.
This is a much better swimming spot due to its peaceful atmosphere and spacious pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can even swim up to the waterfall and walk beneath it, which isn't possible at Tad Yeung Waterfall.
If you're looking for a great waterfall to swim in, Tad Champee is the place to be. The waterfall is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with an entrance fee of 30,000 LAK (1.5 USD) and an additional 10,000 LAK (0.5 USD) for car parking.
5. Explore Muang Champassak
After your visit to Wat Phou, you might also want to drop by and check out Muang Champassak, a small riverside town with some beautiful old structures that were built during the prosperous years of the Champasak Kingdom.
The town was once the seat of the Kingdom of Champasak, an independent Lao state that was abolished by the French in 1945 when they formed the Kingdom of Laos. After its dissolution, the capital was moved to Pakse, which grew into the bustling city you see today.
In contrast, the former kingdom's area now hosts only a small village, with a few temples still standing as reminders of its past. Some of these structures worth visiting include Wat Muang Kang, an old temple featuring beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings.
While the temple is currently under renovation, you can still explore other nearby structures and observe the local life. It's a peaceful spot to take a break before continuing your journey to explore the province.
6. Check Out the River View from Wat Phousalao
One of the best viewpoints in Pakse can be found at Wat Phou Salao, a temple located on the slopes of Phou Salao Hill, opposite the river. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of both the Mekong River and the city of Pakse. You will be surprised at how expansive the city really is. After all, it is the 3rd most populated city in Laos.
To get to the viewpoint, you have 2 options. You can either drive all the way to the viewpoint via a mountain road that takes about 15 minutes to drive to from Pakse, or you can drive to the foothill where you will find a stone staircase that you can hike up to the top.
There are over 600 steps, and it will take you about 45 minutes to reach the top. I would only recommend hiking up in the evening when the weather is cooler. It’s best to avoid midday hikes, as there is little shade along the way.
At the top, you'll be greeted by a massive Buddha image, visible all the way from the riverside walkway in Pakse. You'll also discover several temples and viewpoints that you can stroll around and explore at your leisure.
If you're after the best viewpoint in Pakse, this is the spot. I highly recommend arriving about 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the stunning view as the sun sets over the Mekong River. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.
7. Stroll Along the Mekong River in Pakse
The city of Pakse has built a long stretch of walkway along the Mekong riverbank, perfect for a peaceful stroll while taking in the beautiful views of Pakse and its surroundings.
There are often events along the river, typically starting in the evening around 6 PM, making it a great spot to hang out during sunset. I visited during Songkran, and there was a lively concert with street food vendors, drinks, and plenty of entertainment. It was a blast!
If you are looking for a place to relax and take in the view of Pakse, be sure to come out in the evening and walk along its beautiful riverside walkways. There is also a night market nearby, which is what we will discuss next.
8. Hang Out at M Park Night Market
Every evening around 6 PM, the M Park Night Market along the riverside comes alive, with a wide variety of street food and drink options to choose from. It's the perfect spot if you're looking to try some local street food in Pakse.
There are plenty of tables and seating available, allowing you to shop around, sample as much street food as you like, and enjoy a family-style meal together. You'll find a variety of dishes, including noodles, fruit juices, BBQ skewers, and more, all at affordable prices.
If you're looking for a place to hang out in the evening or at night, this is a great spot to visit. The market is open daily from 4 PM to 10:30 PM, and on weekends, it may stay open until 11:30 PM.
9. Drop By Wat Luang
One of the most revered temples in Pakse is Wat Luang, a large temple complex located along the riverside with a stunning view of the Mekong River. It's a popular spot for locals to gather and watch the sunset.
The temple itself does have some fascinating structures, such as an old ordination hall located right next to a newer one, creating a striking contrast between the old and the new. I personally prefer the older hall, but the new one also has beautiful murals worth checking out.
If you're exploring Pakse on foot and walking along the riverside, be sure to stop by and check out Wat Luang. The temple is open during daylight hours, and entry is free.
10. Stay Overnight at Don Det
Last but not least, if you are looking for an overnight trip to make from Pakse, you might want to consider visiting Don Det, a quiet island located about 150 km south of Pakse. The island is located within the Si Phan Don archipelago, also known as the 4000 Islands, and it is a popular spot for backpackers who are looking to do nothing but chill by the Mekong River.
You can reach Don Det by taking a bus to Nakasong, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. From there, a short boat ride will take you to the island, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours one way. Most hotels and hostels can help you arrange the bus ride. There are two departures daily, both in the morning: one at 7:10 AM and the other at 8:30 AM. The cost is around 170,000 LAK (7.9 USD).
A day trip isn't really feasible as it takes nearly a full day to get there, so I highly recommend staying overnight. There are plenty of local guesthouses and hostels on Don Det, so you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay.
During your visit, you can relax and embrace the slow pace of life by the river, rent a bike to explore the island, or visit Khon Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by water flow.
What to Eat and Drink in Pakse?
1. Have Lao Coffee at Caffeine Pakse
Caffeine Pakse is a charming new café in Pakse that serves a rich, thick Laos Iced Coffee, one of my favorite iced coffee drinks. Bolovens Plateau is the coffee-growing region of Laos, so you definitely don't want to miss trying the coffee here.
They also offer a variety of modern-style coffee drinks if you're craving something else. The café has a cozy seating area, and best of all, it's air-conditioned, making it a perfect escape from the heat during the day.
If you are looking for a lovely cafe to sit, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee in Pakse, you can't go wrong with Caffeine Pakse. The cafe is open from 7 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 12 PM on weekends.
2. Eat Pho at Pho Lankham Noodles
As you explore the riverbank of Pakse, if you're looking for a spot for a quick lunch or dinner, consider trying Pho Lankham Noodles. This popular local restaurant is known for its delicious pho broth and hot pot options, perfect for larger groups.
I particularly enjoy their beef pho. The dish is served with a generous bowl of vegetables, allowing you to season your pho to your liking. The restaurant is conveniently located near M Park Night Market, so if you’re craving something different from street food, be sure to check it out. They’re open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM.
3. Drink and Eat at Champa Hom Restaurant
If you're looking for a local place to try some Laotian dishes, drink beers, and enjoy live music, I highly recommend checking out Champa Hom Restaurant, a charming local restaurant and bar with lovely vintage décor and plenty of food options to choose from.
They serve some really good Laotian food, many of which is extra spicy. If you can't handle the spice, be sure to ask them to ease up on the chili. I was sweating buckets eating their "yum" dish, and that's coming from a Thai! 😂
In the late evening, they sometimes have live music, making it a perfect spot to hang out for a drink or two. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. Be sure to check out Champa Hom Restaurant while you're in Pakse.
How to Get to Pakse?
By Plane: To get to Pakse, you have two options: you can either fly into Vientiane and take a long overnight bus to Pakse (10–12 hours), or fly into Bangkok and then catch a domestic flight to Ubon Ratchathani.
Once you arrive in Ubon Ratchathani, you can head to the Bus Station and catch an afternoon bus to Pakse. I went with the second option, which was easy and also gave me time to explore Ubon Ratchathani, a destination worth visiting in its own right. I'll share more bus information below.
For flights, I highly recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia. For the bus from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, you can check the latest schedule here.
By Bus: For the cheapest option, if you are already arriving in Lao's capital city, you can catch the bus from Vientiane to Pakse, which should take about 10 to 12 hours and costs 25 USD. The bus usually runs overnight so you can sleep on the bus but don't expect the seats to be comfortable or the ride smooth. You can book this bus here.
If you are already in Bangkok, you will need to take an overnight bus to Ubon Ratchathani, which should take about 11 hours and cost 20 USD. You should arrive in the morning, just in time for the morning bus from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse at 8 AM. The last leg took about 3 - 4 hours and cost 7 USD. You should arrive in Pakse around 1 - 2 PM. You can check the schedule of the first leg here, and the second leg here.
How to Get from Pakse Bus Station to the Accommodation?
Pakse has two bus stations: Kriangkai Bus Station, which is closer to the city, and 8 KM Bus Station, which is further out. Depending on where you get dropped off, it can feel a bit random when using the international bus service from Thailand, you can expect to pay between 30,000 LAK and 80,000 LAK for a sam-lor, a local three-wheel motorbike taxi. The ride will take about 25 minutes or 40 minutes, respectively.
Unfortunately, taxi prices in Laos aren't fixed, so sometimes you might pay a little less, sometimes a bit more, that's just part of traveling here!
You’ll usually find taxi drivers waiting around the bus stations, but they often overcharge. It's usually cheaper to flag one down from the street. Just make sure you agree on the price before hopping on!
How to Get Around Pakse?
By Motorbike: To get around Pakse and the Champasak province, you can rent a motorbike for around 200,000 LAK (about 10 USD) per day. The roads in Laos aren't in the best condition, but a motorbike will get you quite far. People here also tend to drive slower than in Thailand, so you should be fine. Just be sure to put on sunscreen, as it can get pretty hot!
You can usually rent a motorbike directly from your hostel or hotel, but if not, you can also check out KP Car Rental Pakse. I rented from them and everything went perfectly. Keep in mind that it's customary for rental shops to hold some form of ID, such as your driver's license or passport, as reassurance, so be sure to have that ready before renting.
By Car: If you're looking to cover more ground in a day, you might want to consider renting a car. You can rent one from KP Car Rental Pakse for around 1,200,000 LAK (about 55 USD) per day.
Keep in mind that you'll have to pay toll fees when traveling in and out of the city, as well as parking fees at some attractions if you decide to rent a car. These costs can add up quickly, whereas motorbikes usually don't have to pay. For this itinerary, you can expect to pay around 60,000 LAK (about 3 USD) in tolls, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
What to Pack for Pakse?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Pakse, Laos:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Pakse, Laos in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Laos
Looking for more information for your trip to Laos? Here is a selection of articles that might help you with your trip planning:
- For a complete Laos backpacking itinerary, check out: 7 Days Backpacking Laos Itinerary By Train.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking to spend some time in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos? Be sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane.
- Vang Vieng, the adventure hub of Laos, has much to offer to those seeking adrenaline-rush activities. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng.
- Luang Prabang is my favorite city in Laos and is a place not to be missed. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang.
- Looking to cross the border from Pakse in Southern Laos to Thailand? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to go off the beaten path in Laos? How about visiting Savannakhet, a city in Southern Laos full of beautiful french colonial buildings and more. Here's a complete travel guide: Explore Savannakhet: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Packing for a trip to visit a place as big as Southeast Asia is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Southeast Asia - The Essential Packing List.
- Not convinced by my words about Southeast Asia? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
- You can also watch my travel video about Southeast Asia here: Watch the "Asia Alive" travel video.
- You can see all my Laos-related articles on my Laos Travel Guide page.
- For more Southeast Asia-related articles, check out my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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