Pakse

Written by Lorraine Aust, Thongchai Phommachanh
13/08/2025
Multiple rows of golden statues of the Buddha seated, with yellow and red flowers, at Wat Phou Salao (Golden Buddha temple), in Pakse, Laos.
Basile Morin, Wikimedia Commons

Pakse, a serene city in Southern Laos at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, serves as a central point for exploring both cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. It offers a blend of French colonial charm, access to the Bolaven Plateau's waterfalls and coffee farms, and the tranquil 4000 Islands.

For those looking to connect with other travelers, Pakse provides a relaxed atmosphere. You can find opportunities to socialize at local hostels, many of which are highly rated and offer shared amenities. Evenings can be spent at cozy cafes or hotel rooftop bars, providing pleasant views of the city and Mekong River. Strolling along the Mekong River bank also presents chances to sample local street food and interact in a more casual setting.

Top 6 Things to do in Pakse

Activities in Pakse center around exploring ancient temples, experiencing vibrant local markets, enjoying panoramic river views, and embarking on adventures to the nearby Bolaven Plateau with its stunning waterfalls and coffee farms.

1. Explore the Bolaven Plateau

Venturing to the Bolaven Plateau reveals a landscape of lush coffee and tea plantations, along with impressive waterfalls such as Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, and Tad Lo. This region offers a cooler climate and opportunities to learn about local agriculture and traditional village life. It can be experienced as a shorter loop (around 200 km over 2-3 days) or a larger loop (around 320 km over 3-5 days), providing both natural beauty and cultural insights. While roads are generally paved, some paths to waterfalls may be unpaved.

Cost: Motorbike rental ranges from approximately $5 to $9 per day for semi-automatics, with fuel costing around $3 to $5 per day. Organized full-day tours typically cost between $25 and $45 per person, often including transportation, a guide, and national park fees. Some tours may include lunch for groups of four or more.

Transport: The most common way to explore the plateau independently is by renting a motorbike from shops in Pakse. Alternatively, join an organized tour from Pakse which includes transport by air-conditioned minivan. A taxi from Pakse to the Bolaven Plateau costs around $20-$25 for the 37 km journey.

2. Visit Wat Phou

Wat Phou is an ancient Khmer temple complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 5th to 11th centuries, it showcases intricate carvings and impressive architecture, set on a hillside with scenic views of the Mekong River. The site includes a museum, providing historical context to its significance.

Cost: The entrance fee is 50,000 LAK (approximately $2.4 USD), which includes access to the electric car service and the museum. Some sources mention a method to enter without paying the fee by taking a specific route.

Transport: Located about 45 km from Pakse, a taxi ride takes approximately 51 minutes and costs between $25 and $30. Renting a motorbike for self-drive is another option, with fuel costs for a round trip being around 20,000 LAK (approximately $2 USD). Half-day guided tours are available, costing about 120,000 LAK (around $12 USD) excluding the entry fee. Direct public transport to Wat Phou is not available, though local buses or songthaews can take you to Champasak town, requiring further transport to the temple.

3. Explore Wat Luang

As Pakse's largest and most revered Buddhist temple, Wat Luang offers a serene atmosphere by the Xe Don River. Its golden spires and detailed carvings are noteworthy, and visitors can observe daily monastic life within its peaceful grounds. It's a significant center for Buddhist education and a place to witness local ceremonies.

Cost: Entry is free, though donations are appreciated.

Transport: Wat Luang is situated within walking distance from the city center.

4. Ascend Wat Phou Salao (Golden Buddha)

Perched on a hill, Wat Phou Salao is home to a majestic Golden Buddha statue that offers panoramic vistas of the Mekong River and Pakse city. The complex encompasses several temples and numerous smaller Buddha figures, providing a tranquil setting for contemplation and enjoying the scenery, particularly at sunset.

Cost: Admission is free, with donations welcomed.

Transport: This temple is not within walking distance of the city center. It can be reached by motorbike, tuk-tuk, or car.

5. Wander through Dao Heuang Market

Dao Heuang Market, also known as the New Pakse Market, is the largest market in Southern Laos and provides a vibrant insight into local life. It is a bustling hub where you can find fresh produce, a wide array of local foods, handicrafts, textiles, and household goods. It is an excellent place to sample authentic Lao street food.

Cost: Entry is free. Prices for goods are negotiable, and street food is generally affordable, with items like a Lao baguette costing around 10,000 KIP and a bowl of Pho around 20,000 KIP.

Transport: Located about 2 km southeast of the city center, near the Lao-Japanese Bridge. It is accessible by foot for a morning stroll, or by samlor, tuk-tuk, or motorbike. When taking a tuk-tuk, it is advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand.

6. Stroll along the Mekong River Walk

The riverside promenade offers a relaxing experience with picturesque views of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset. This area is ideal for a leisurely walk, observing the daily routines of locals, and exploring various street food vendors.

Cost: Free.

Transport: The river walk is easily accessible on foot from the city center.

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