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Home/Destinations/Asia/Laos/Pakse

Pakse Tours and Vacation Packages

Wat Luang, Pakse, Laos
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Overview

Take a trip to Pakse on your Laos Vacation

Pakse is located in southern Laos and is the capital and most populous city in the province of Champasack. A major transportation hub, Pakse is situated in the confluence of the Xe Don and Mekong Rivers on the Laos tour.

An economically strong city since 1975, Pakse has worked to integrate the city with neighbouring countries, including the construction of a bridge across the Mekong River, allowing road traffic to nearby Thailand.

Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, Pakse later served as the primary seat and residence of Prince Boun Oum Na Champassak, an important figure in the Laotian Civil War. As he was building Champasack Palace and due to civil unrest, the prince had to flee in 1974 before its completion, with Pathet Lao forces taking over the site in May 1975.

Pakse is a small town which can be done on foot or by tuk-tuk. Home to many ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese people, Pakse is predominantly Buddhist and features nearby ancient temple ruins including Wat Phu, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another great site for archeological tourists on a Laos vacation is Champasak Provincial Museum.

Si Phan Don, or Four Thousand Islands, is an archipelago located along the Mekong River, featuring powerful waterfalls. Highly endangered, freshwater dolphins can be seen by boat off Don Khon Island, truly making it a tourist highlight.

Famous for its production of coffee and tea, Pakse is a great spot to experience its various cafes and restaurants, while its production of rattan is sure to offer some interesting market shopping. As a tourist base to various sites, On a Laos tour, Pakse is a small, charming town to visit.

At a Glance

Languages

Lao

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

What do the experts say?

Marieflor Tanfelix

Marieflor Tanfelix

Team Lead
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Most people don’t know that Laos is home to mysterious ancient caves and hidden temples that few travellers ever visit, tucked away in remote mountains and along quiet rivers.
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Marieflor Tanfelix

Marieflor Tanfelix

Team Lead
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What I love most about travelling to Laos is the great mix of culture, history, good food, vibrant markets, and scenic views.
Steve Perkins

Steve Perkins

Destination Specialist
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I love how laidback and relaxed Laos is compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. It's like the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all rolled into one, and then sent back in time 20 to 30 years.

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