Pakse Tourism (2024) - Laos > Top Places, Travel Guide

Pakse Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2 Days

Best Time: October to February Read More

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Also Refered As:

Pakxe

"Temples and the River Mekong"

Pakse Tourism

Pakse is the capital city of Champasak province located in Southern Laos. It is a major transport hub located on the banks of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. This modern city is known for the famous Bolaven Plateau, home to wonderful waterfalls and many beautiful Laotian style ancient Buddhist temples. For tourists exploring Laos, Pakse is a recommended stopover for a few days before heading to other regions in the country.

Things to do in Pakse

1. Wat Luang

Wat Luang is the largest temple of Pakse and also the most beautiful. It houses a Buddhist Monk School. The temple has elegant sim-style architecture and is home to hundreds of young Buddhist monks, w (Read More)ho participate in the alms-giving ceremony. Tourists can take part or watch the ceremony every morning near the temple complex around sunrise.

2. Wat Luang

Wat Luang is one of the biggest Buddhist temples located in the city of Pakse in Laos. It is home to many Chedis, which consists of ashes of the royal family and important political leaders of the cou (Read More)ntry. Situated on the banks of River Se Don, the temple also functions as an institution for monks. It is worth visiting Wat Luang to enjoy some stunning views around sunset and to know about Buddhist institutions, beautiful murals and rare artefacts.

Tad Yuang is a 40-meter high natural waterfall located in the Bolaven plateau near Pakse city in Laos. It is one of the famous waterfalls in the region among the tourists known for its scenic locatio (Read More)n amidst deep jungles surrounded by the mountains. Tourists visiting Pakse should plan a day trip to Tad Yuang waterfalls to enjoy beautiful nature, unwind and swim in the falls.

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Places to Visit in Pakse

1. Wat Luang

Wat Luang is the largest temple of Pakse and also the most beautiful. It houses a Buddhist Monk School. The temple has elegant sim-style architecture and is home to hundreds of young Buddhist monks, who participate in the alms-giving ceremony. Tourists can take part or watch the ceremony every morning near the temple complex around sunrise.

2. Wat Phabad

Wat Phabad is the oldest temple of Pakse. Phabad translates to Buddha's footprint, which is present in the shrine.

3. Vat Phou

A 5th century Angkor temple, which is the only temple belonging to the Khmer empire in Laos.

4. Wat Sopse

A 13th-century ancient temple dedicated to Chinese Buddhism.

5. Wat Phousalao

A hill temple on the river banks close to the city of Pakse, known for stunning views of the landscapes around the river.

6. Big Buddha temple

Phou Salao temple is one of the places in Pakse to watch some stunning views of the town along the Mekong.

7. Lao Japan bridge

Apart from offering great views of the surroundings, it is one of the important landmarks in Pakse.

8. Bolaven Plateau

Located about 50km from Pakse, this area is famous for several waterfalls including the Tad Lo and That Fang, the tallest waterfalls of Laos. You can visit the plateau as a day trip from Pakse or spend a few days.

History and Significance of Pakse

Pakse translates to the mouth of the river in the local language. It is the second-most populous city in Laos. Pakse was established as an administrative town by the French in 1905. After the colonization ended, it functioned as the capital of the Kingdom of Champasak until its unification with the Kingdom of Laos in 1946.

Since 1975, Pakse has become an economic power, and its location close to the borders of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia has made it into an important transport hub. The construction of bridges over the Mekong has led to the influx of international tourists.

Suggested Itinerary for Pakse

Day 1 - Explore the temples of Wat Luang and others, spend the evening at Big Buddha witnessing the views of the city from the top.

Day 2 - Plan a trip to the Bolaven plateau to explore the waterfalls or relax in Pakse enjoying the riverside.

Best Time to Visit Pakse

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Places To Visit

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How to Reach Pakse

How to Reach Overview

The best way to reach Pakse is by bus. Regular buses and minivans are available from cities like Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Vieng, which takes between 8 to 10 hours. There are 4 bus stations in Pakse, which connects the town with other smaller cities too. The bus ticket varies between 20 to 30 USD per person depending on the city of departure. You can also get there by renting a taxi for about 200 USD. There are flights to Pakse from Vientiane, Bangkok, Siem Reap and Luan Prabang.

Local transport in Pakse

The best way to explore Pakse is by renting a motorbike. You can also get around the town by hiring a Tuk-Tuk or renting a bicycle daily. Cabs are available too if you want to commute to faraway places more comfortably.

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Pakse Travel Essentials