PAKSE
Pakse is the southern gateway to Laos, a tranquil riverside city sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedone rivers. It serves as the essential hub for exploring the spectacular natural beauty of the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands.
This modest city blends French colonial architecture with vibrant local life and easy access to ancient Khmer temple ruins. It is the perfect base for adventure, coffee culture, and exploring the heart of Champasak Province.
Most Popular Attractions
Pakse City Core & Mekong River
Wat Luang: The largest and most revered temple in Pakse, featuring beautiful grounds, traditional architecture, and a monastic school.
Dao Heuang Market: A bustling, sprawling market on the banks of the Mekong, offering everything from local produce and textiles to gold and electronics.
Champasak Historical Heritage Museum: A small museum detailing the history, culture, and archaeology of the province, including artifacts from Wat Phu.
French Colonial Quarter: The area near the Sedone River bridge, characterized by old, charming French colonial shophouses and architecture.
Pakse Bridge (Japanese Bridge): A key landmark offering views of the city skyline and the two rivers.
Wat Phou Salao & Giant Golden Buddha: Located on a hill across the Mekong, offering panoramic views of Pakse, especially stunning at sunset.
Sedone River Cruise/Walkway: A pleasant area for a leisurely evening stroll along the tributary river leading into the Mekong.
Bolaven Plateau (Coffee & Waterfalls)
Paksong (Coffee Capital): The small town at the center of the plateau, surrounded by high-altitude coffee plantations producing world-class Arabica and Robusta beans.
Tad Fan: A spectacular, twin-stream waterfall where the waters of the Huay Champi and Huay Beng rivers plunge 120 meters into a deep gorge.
Tad Yuang: A beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall known for its deep, refreshing pools at the base, perfect for swimming.
Tad Lo: A series of smaller, picturesque waterfalls with several guesthouses and a tranquil village atmosphere.
E-Tu Waterfall: A less-visited waterfall offering a raw, jungle experience and a unique chance to walk behind the falling water.
Bolaven Plateau Coffee Plantations: Numerous farms (e.g., Jhai Coffee, Captain Hook’s) offer tours and tastings of the region’s famous beans.
Alangyi Village: A traditional Katu ethnic minority village offering insight into local life and customs on the plateau.
Champasak Province (History & Islands)
Wat Phu (Vat Phou): A spectacular ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex (predating Angkor Wat) and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the town of Champasak.
Don Det & Don Khone (4,000 Islands): The two most popular islands in the Si Phan Don archipelago, famous for laid-back vibes, cycling, and tubing.
Khone Phapheng Falls (The Mekong’s Niagara): The largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia, preventing upstream navigation of the Mekong.
Li Phi Falls (Tat Somphamit): A stunning waterfall on Don Khone, known for its powerful rush of water and tranquil surroundings.
Old French Railway Bridge & Locomotive: Remnants of the short-lived French railway built on Don Khone to bypass the unnavigable Khone Phapheng Falls.
Irrawaddy Dolphin Viewpoint: Located near the Cambodian border on Don Khone, offering a chance to spot the rare freshwater dolphins.
Champasak Town: A quiet, riverside town south of Pakse, known for its colonial buildings and as the gateway to Wat Phu.
Phu Asa Mountain: A sacred mountain near Champasak town, offering challenging hikes and historical significance.
Wat Phou Museum: Located near the Wat Phu site, showcasing artifacts recovered from the ruins.
King of the Hill (Phu Khao): A prominent mountain near Pakse with historical significance.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Bolaven Plateau Loop (The Big or Small Loop): Rent a semi-automatic motorbike and ride one of the famous loops. This self-guided adventure takes you through stunning coffee plantations, remote villages, and numerous waterfalls.
Go Coffee Tasting and Tour a Plantation: Visit a local farm on the Bolaven Plateau to learn about the entire process of growing, harvesting, and roasting Laos’ famous Arabica and Robusta beans, followed by a sampling.
Chase the Waterfalls: Spend time at the region’s most spectacular cascades, such as Tad Fane (a twin waterfall dropping into a deep gorge), Tad Yuang, and Tad Lo (where you can often swim or stay overnight).
Relax on Don Det (4000 Islands): Take a slow boat to the islands (Si Phan Don). Rent a bike to explore the laid-back rice paddies, enjoy river sunsets, and embrace the slow, rustic pace of life.
Spot Irrawaddy Dolphins (from Don Khon): Take a boat trip from Don Khon, one of the 4000 Islands, near the Cambodian border to try and spot the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
Cycle the Khmer Ruins of Wat Phou: Take a ferry across the Mekong and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou, a stunning ancient Khmer temple complex that predates Angkor Wat.
Trek the Xe Pian National Protected Area: Hire a local guide for a multi-day trek deep into the jungle for serious hiking, wildlife viewing, and staying in remote villages (eco-tourism is encouraged).
Learn to Cook Lao Cuisine: Take a cooking class in Pakse or a smaller town to master dishes like mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves), laap (minced meat salad), and the proper technique for eating sticky rice.
Cross the Lao-Japanese Bridge at Sunset: Walk or cycle across the iconic bridge in Pakse that spans the Mekong River for the best view of the sun setting over the city and the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Dao Heuang Market: Explore Pakse’s central, sprawling market to see the local commerce, sample exotic fruits, and find unique Lao textiles and crafts.
Wander the Khone Phapheng Falls: Visit Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall by volume, often called the “Niagara of the East,” located in the 4000 Islands area—a powerful and impressive sight.
Local Tips & Transport
Motorbike is King: For exploring the Bolaven Plateau, renting a semi-automatic motorbike is the standard and most rewarding way. Be sure to check insurance and wear a helmet. Roads are generally paved but can be rough in sections, especially in the rainy season.
Tuk-Tuks and Jumbos: In Pakse city, use tuk-tuks (small motorized rickshaws) or larger jumbos (three-wheeled taxis) for short distances. Always agree on the price before getting in.
Long-Distance Travel: Busses and minivans connect Pakse to the 4000 Islands (Nakasang ferry pier), Vientiane, and neighboring countries. For overnight journeys, sleeper buses are available.
Getting to the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don): Take a bus or minivan from Pakse’s Southern Bus Terminal to the village of Nakasang, which is the pier for ferries/longtail boats to the main islands of Don Det and Don Khon.
Boat Travel: Longtail boats are the primary mode of transport between the islands in Si Phan Don. They can be rented for dolphin spotting or visiting nearby waterfalls.
Pace Yourself: Laos is famous for its slow, relaxed pace—often called “Lao time.” Be patient with service and transport, and embrace the laid-back culture. Rushing will only lead to frustration.
The Power of Coffee: Southern Laos, particularly the Bolaven Plateau, is the center of the country’s coffee industry. Look for local Kardamon or Sinouk branded coffee. Expect your coffee to be very strong, often served with sweet condensed milk.
Sticky Rice is Staple: Khao Niao (sticky rice) is the staple food, not ordinary steamed rice. It is traditionally eaten with the right hand, rolled into small balls and dipped into soups or sauces. Never use your left hand for eating or passing things, as it is considered unclean.
Dress Respectfully: When visiting temples (wats) or entering private homes, cover your shoulders and knees. You must remove your shoes before entering temples and sometimes shops or guesthouses.
Monk Etiquette: Show respect to monks. Women should never touch a monk or pass something directly to them. When giving an offering, a man should place it down, or a woman should pass it via a piece of cloth.
The Sabaidee Greeting: The local greeting is Sabaidee (pronounced sa-bai-dee), which means “hello” and “how are you.” A nop (a slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer position) is a respectful gesture to use with it.
Hidden Gems:
- The Golden Buddha: High on a hill just outside Pakse, this large, sparkling golden statue offers magnificent views over the city, the Mekong, and the Xe Don rivers.
- Wat Luang: The largest and most beautiful temple in Pakse, featuring stunning traditional Lao architecture and a monastic school.
- Tad E-Tu: A lesser-known waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau that often has a resort-style coffee shop with great viewing platforms.
- The Old French Quarter: The streets closest to the Xe Don river in Pakse contain old, charming French colonial buildings, offering a glimpse into the region’s history.
Top Restaurants
Daolin Restaurant [$10-$20] – A bustling, family-run restaurant on the main tourist strip, famous for its extensive menu of delicious, authentic Lao and Thai dishes and very fresh fruit shakes.
Sabaidee Pakse Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located near the city center, this popular spot offers generous portions of well-executed Lao and Thai food at very reasonable prices, often catering to both travelers and locals.
Khaow Phad Shop 25 Dao Hueang Market [$5-$10] – A must-visit stall inside the vibrant Dao Heuang Market, renowned by locals and travelers alike for its massive, fantastic pork fried rice.
Xuan Mai Restaurant [$8-$15] – A well-loved Vietnamese-Lao fusion spot, celebrated for its super-fresh dishes, including excellent Khao Piak Sen (noodle soup) and fresh spring rolls.
Lankham Noodle Shop [$5-$10] – A no-frills, highly popular spot under the Lankham Hotel, known for serving consistently good, safe, and cheap bowls of Lao and Vietnamese-style noodles and soup.
Nyek Pakse [$8-$15] – A local, open-air riverside restaurant on the peninsula, known for its authentic Lao cuisine like grilled meats, fish, and salads, offering a genuine local experience.
Khamfong Boat Restaurant [$15-$25] – A floating boat restaurant on the Mekong River, popular for its traditional Laotian specialties, fresh grilled river fish, and beautiful sunset views.
Thongná Café & Restaurant (ຮ້ານອາຫານທົ່ງນາຄາເຟ) [$10-$20] – A charming spot on the outskirts of the city offering a serene, countryside atmosphere and authentic Lao dishes, focusing on traditional tastes.
Crab Rice Noodle Soup Restaurant [$5-$10] – A specialized local eatery focusing on its signature dish, Khao Piak Pu (Crab Rice Noodle Soup), a unique and flavorful Lao/Vietnamese fusion meal.
Popthavan Duck Restaurant [$10-$20] – A local gem famous for its duck dishes, particularly grilled or roasted duck, representing a rich part of the regional culinary heritage.
Dornsokdee Restaurant [$15-$25] – Offers authentic Lao and Asian cuisine with a focus on barbecue dishes, providing a flavorful and hearty local dining experience.
La Biang Phu Restaurant [$10-$20] – Known for sharing the stories of Lao tradition through its authentic local cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Sa La Gang Kong [$10-$20] – A restaurant focusing on authentic Laotian cuisine, offering a space to delve into the country’s unique flavors and culinary history.
Luli Lula Grill and Food [$15-$25] – A famous local grilled pork restaurant, served as a set with a unique and popular peanut dipping sauce, along with other Lao favorites like fried sun-dried pork.
Street Food Stalls by the Mekong River [$3-$8] – A stretch of stalls that come alive in the evenings, offering the freshest Ping Pa (grilled Mekong river fish), Som Tam (papaya salad), and various BBQ skewers.
Dok Mai Lao Trattoria Italiana [$15-$30] – Regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Pakse, offering high-quality, homemade pasta, thin-crust pizzas, and a lovely secret garden seating area.
Hasan Indian Restaurant [$10-$20] – Highly-rated and often busy, this Lao-Indian family-run restaurant serves excellent Indian food with Malaysian touches, known for its rich curries and fluffy naan bread.
Jasmin Restaurant [$10-$20] – Another popular Indian eatery known for its flavorful dishes like chicken tikka masala, catering well to vegetarians with options like green peas masala.
Meiling Restaurant [$10-$20] – A reliable spot offering a diverse menu of Asian cuisine, frequently praised for serving one of the best Pad Thais in the city.
La Mémoire Café & Restaurant [$15-$25] – Offers a fusion cuisine experience, blending local Lao flavors with global inspiration in a comfortable setting.
A la carte [$15-$25] – A known restaurant in Pakse for offering a diverse range of culinary delights, often mixing Asian and Western favorites.
The Mellow – Pakse [$15-$25] – A contemporary spot providing a modern twist on local flavors, often featuring a lively atmosphere popular with younger crowds.
Na Dao [$20-$50] – A slightly more upscale option known for its fine French dining, offering a more cultured cuisine experience in the South of Laos.
Athena [$15-$30] – Located near the Pakse Hotel, this spot offers a unique break from Asian cuisine with Mediterranean flavors, specializing in Greek dishes.
The Pizza Company Friendship Mall Pakse [$15-$25] – A reliable option for travelers craving Western comfort food, known for its family-friendly pizza and pasta offerings.
Café Sinouk Pakse [$5-$15] – Located centrally, this charming café, exuding French colonial ambiance, is the flagship store for the local Sinouk coffee brand, offering great pastries and an inviting atmosphere.
Vida Bakery Cafe [$5-$15] – A highly-recommended café known for its peaceful atmosphere, excellent coffee, super non-alcoholic drinks, and a great selection of cakes and Western-style light meals.
The Tea Room By Dao Coffee [$5-$15] – A modern and lively coffee house focusing on Asian dishes (Lao and Vietnamese) alongside local coffee, situated in a cultivated, West Coast-style setting.
Café Katuad [$5-$15] – A simple but popular café known for serving great coffee, Western breakfasts, sandwiches, and good stir-fries, often run by a friendly Japanese owner.
La Boulange [$5-$15] – A traditional French bakery and café, perfect for an early breakfast with freshly baked pastries, croissants, and aromatic coffee.
Balance Café & Beer Pakse [$8-$18] – A beautifully decorated café with a minimalist style that also serves light meals and beer, ideal for relaxation and sampling great Bolaven coffee.
Aurora Café & Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers a comfortable setting with a range of Laotian and international cuisine, often praised for its excellent coffee selection.
124 Thaluang Coffee [$5-$15] – A tranquil café offering a delightful retreat from the bustle, with a unique charm and focus on high-quality coffee.
Laos Coffee Bachieng [$5-$15] – Located on the way to the Bolaven waterfalls, this shady café is a perfect rest stop, offering delicious coffee, tea, and smoothies with unique local decor.
Delta Coffee Shop & Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers a mix of Thai cuisine and delicious bakery items, providing a convenient and tasty stop for travelers.
Le Panorama Rooftop Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located on the rooftop of the Pakse Hotel, this is the premier spot for unparalleled 360-degree city views and the best sunset over the Mekong, serving delicious Franco-Asian cuisine.
View Bar (at Le Panorama) [$20-$40] – The adjoining bar to Le Panorama, offering a wide range of imported beers, cocktails, and tasty food options, ideal for enjoying the stunning views.
Banlao Boat [$20-$40] – One of the best floating restaurants on the Mekong, providing a unique setting and reliable menu of Laotian favorites, plus some international dishes.
Nakorn River View Restaurant [$15-$30] – Part of the Nakorn River View property (in Champasak near Pakse), its terrace restaurant offers a perfect view over the Mekong and focuses on local cuisine.
36Quán (ຮ້ານອາຫານ36) [$15-$30] – A highly-regarded restaurant offering authentic Laotian cuisine in a pleasant setting, often catering to a local clientele looking for quality.
The Best Cafe & Restaurant [$15-$25] – A well-named spot that aims for culinary excellence, offering local cuisine with warm hospitality in a comfortable setting.
3Nag [$20-$40] – Though often associated with Luang Prabang, a similar quality establishment in the region (or worth the trip to Champasak) focuses on elegant, traditional Lao dishes like buffalo láhp and Mok Pa.
The Terrace (at Champasak Grand Hotel) [$25-$50] – Offers a more upscale dining experience with a fantastic view of the Mekong, serving a mix of Lao and Western cuisine, great for a special occasion.
Le Duang Deuane [$20-$40] – A modern restaurant that offers a refined take on Lao cuisine, often with live music, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for dinner.
The Brick House [$15-$30] – Offers a taste of American comfort food and Western dishes in a dedicated, themed restaurant setting.
Anjolies Ice Cream and Restaurant [$10-$20] – Primarily known for its homemade ice cream, it also serves a diverse menu of light meals and comfort food in a cheerful atmosphere.
Vegetarian Food Pakse [$5-$10] – A simple, excellent, Vietnamese-run eatery specializing in vegetarian Vietnamese and Lao fare, loved even by non-vegetarians for its fresh spring rolls and mushroom dishes.
Jasmine Rice [$10-$20] – Known for offering a wide variety of Asian and Lao dishes, often recommended for its quality and good value for money.
Nyek Pakse Riverfront Stalls [$5-$15] – Less of a formal restaurant and more of a cluster of local vendors by the river, specializing in incredibly fresh, whole grilled river fish (Ping Pa) and large bowls of soup.
Souksan Restaurant (Champasak) [$15-$25] – A reliable choice in the riverside town of Champasak (a short trip from Pakse), popular for its Lao and Thai food and often used as a stop for those visiting Wat Phou.
The Green Disk (Bolaven Plateau) [$10-$20] – A highly-rated, eco-friendly restaurant on the Bolaven Plateau, known for using fresh, local produce and often featuring vegetarian options.
Phonsai Market Stalls [$3-$8] – A cluster of various food stalls in the Phonsai area, offering a true taste of local street food from grilled skewers to fresh fruit shakes and local snacks.
Anou Hostel Restaurant [$8-$15] – A popular spot associated with a backpacker hostel, known for its consistent quality, cheap drinks, and social atmosphere.
Tad Lo Waterfall Restaurants [$10-$20] – The small cluster of guesthouse restaurants near the Tad Lo waterfall offer simple, home-cooked Lao meals with a view of the falls, often featuring local fish.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Le Panorama Rooftop: Located on the top floor of the Pakse Hotel near the central market, this spot is famous for its stunning 360° panoramic views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the Mekong River, making it the perfect place for sunset cocktails during happy hour.
Sedon Terrace: A sophisticated lounge bar situated within The Residence Sisouk hotel, offering scenic views over the Sedon and Mekong Rivers. It provides a tranquil setting to enjoy a drink and the natural beauty of Pakse.
Arawan Pool Bar: Found on the rooftop of the Arawan Riverside Hotel, this pool terrace and bar is a great place to soak in the sun, take a dip, and enjoy a reasonable selection of cocktails and local beers with a view of the Mekong.
The Brick Pakse: A small, trendy bar with a distinctive red brick tone and low lighting, located near the Champasak Palace Hotel. It offers a cozy, modern atmosphere for enjoying cocktails, local beers, and occasionally hosts live sports viewing.
SÉSÉ Wine & Beer: A cozy, simple, and welcoming spot located in the ground floor of a restaurant in the Tha Luang area. It focuses on a selection of wines and beers, often paired with affordable French snacks like charcuterie and cheese.
Dok Mai Lao Trattoria Italiana Garden: While primarily an Italian restaurant in central Pakse, patrons often enjoy a glass of wine or a digestivo in its tranquil “secret garden,” which offers a quiet, comfortable outdoor environment.
Seb’s Bar: Located in central Tha Luang, this is one of Pakse’s first Western-style bars, run by a British expatriate. It offers a variety of Western entertainment, including live sports, darts, and a great selection of cocktails and imported beers.
You Empire Hostel & Bar: A relaxed spot popular with backpackers and travelers looking to socialize in the tourist part of Pakse. It offers cheap beer, pool, and darts, making it a decent place to meet new people.
124 Thaluang Coffee: Although a coffee shop, this Japanese-run spot is impeccably decorated and offers a curated, sophisticated ambiance. It’s a great choice for a meticulously prepared non-alcoholic drink or a unique local brew in a calm setting in the Tha Luang area.
Pizer Bar: A must-visit live music venue in Pakse that hosts a very talented live band from Laos and Thailand nightly, playing a mix of Asian and Western songs. It features a big outdoor patio area and an indoor stage, making it popular for those looking for a lively night with good drinks and local food.
Modern HiTech Club: Considered one of the best late-night spots in the city, located a bit outside the central tourist area (around KM4). It has a clean and fun environment for those wanting a late drink and a dance, with Thai and Lao DJs playing a variety of Asian and Western dance music.
Waivan Heart Beat Pub: A vibrant pub that offers a taste of the local nightlife, known for its lively atmosphere, upbeat tunes, and frequent live music performances. It encourages socializing with communal seating and offers a good selection of cocktails and local beers.
Han Sin Jang: A large, open-air, and often noisy local bar where parties are frequently organized. Located outside the main tourist drag, it’s popular with young Laotians for eating, drinking, and loud karaoke, offering a truly local experience.
FAMILY NIGHT: A documented club on Route 13 in Pakse, catering to the local party scene for a late-night dancing experience.
The Lao Restaurant and Bar: Known for serving Laotian and French food and drink, this venue sometimes features a lively atmosphere. It is a modern, brightly decorated spot that transforms into a busy bar in the evening.