Top 4 Places to Eat in 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's dining scene presents a blend of authentic Lao flavors, regional Asian influences, and international options, catering to diverse preferences from casual street food enthusiasts to those seeking elevated dining experiences.

1. Le Panorama Rooftop Restaurant

Cuisine: Franco-Asian, Lao

Perched on the 7th floor of the Pakse Hotel & Restaurant, this venue offers panoramic views of the city, the Mekong River, and the surrounding mountains. It provides an elegant setting for evening dining, complete with pleasant lounge music. Guests can enjoy sunset cocktails before indulging in well-presented dishes, including excellent Lao specialties, French cuisine, and pizzas.

Price: Mains typically cost between 30,000-70,000 LAK (approximately $1.50-3.50 USD), with tasting menus available for around 185,000 LAK (approximately $9 USD).

Getting There: Located on Street 5, within the Pakse Hotel. It is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from the main tourist area.

2. Daolin Restaurant Cafe

Cuisine: Lao, Vietnamese, Thai, Western

This open-air, family-run cafe is a popular and dependable spot, known for its extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of Asian and Western dishes, including sandwiches, curries, and noodle dishes. Fresh juices and fruit shakes are also available. It is particularly frequented by backpackers seeking good quality at budget-friendly prices.

Price: Main dishes generally range from 20,000-30,000 LAK (approximately $1-2 USD).

Getting There: Situated on Route 13, at the corner of 24th Street, which is a main road in the tourist area. Easily walkable from many central accommodations.

3. Jasmine Restaurant

Cuisine: Indian, Malay, Vegetarian options

A long-standing fixture in Pakse, Jasmine Restaurant is consistently busy with satisfied customers. It specializes in Indian and Malay cuisine, offering well-loved dishes such as curries, dosas, and fluffy naan. The restaurant also provides a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including green peas masala and aloo baingan. It is also noted for serving Western-style breakfasts from early morning.

Price: Main dishes typically cost between 20,000-30,000 LAK (approximately $1-2 USD).

Getting There: Located on Route 13, a central road in Pakse. It is easily accessible on foot.

4. Khamfong Boat Restaurant

Cuisine: Authentic Laotian

This charming restaurant provides a unique dining experience with picturesque views of the Mekong River. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, making it suitable for various occasions. The menu highlights traditional Laotian dishes with a contemporary touch, featuring local specialties like spicy papaya salad, grilled river fish, and fragrant sticky rice. Evenings may include local music performances, enhancing the cultural immersion.

Price: Mid-range; while specific dish prices are not consistently listed, the experience and setting align with reasonable pricing for authentic local cuisine.

Getting There: Located along the Mekong River, it may require a short walk or tuk-tuk ride depending on the exact location along the riverbank.

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