- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $8,700
Pakse
After Laos became a French protectorate, Pakse, previously the capital of the rival Champasak kingdom, was taken by French forces and designated a regional administrative center. Throughout the intervening decades, Pakse saw its share of turmoil, falling first to Thai invaders and later to Laotian communists.
Today, Pakse has managed to overcome its difficult past, and is now the third most populous city in the country at 87,000. The capital of Champasak Province, Pakse is thriving, crowded city framed by the swift waters of the Mekong River and the looming mountains in the distance. Because of its location, Pakse is a transportation hub for the whole of southern Laos, complete with an airport that offers international flights to destinations throughout southeast Asia.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
4,000 Islands
One of the least visited places in all of Laos, or indeed Southeast Asia, the 4,000 Islands stretch of the lower Mekong is a remote, unspoiled destination. Best explored on foot or bicycle, it is a landscape of waterfalls, rapids, long and creaky wooden bridges, French colonial structures, and quaint restaurants.
Ban Katua
Stop at Ban Katua, a village with a scenic coffee plantation. Get a firsthand glimpse into the production process of Laos’ world-renowned coffees, and enjoy a private tasting of that very day’s product here. Afterwards, stop by the local market at Paksong, the Lao coffee capital and the place for connoisseurs to pick up their own supply.
Champasak Provincial Museum
Explore the Champasak Provincial Museum, which contains such artifacts as lintels and statues from Khmer temples in the province, as well as traditional costumes, musical instruments, pottery, and farming tools, detailing the history of the province. Stop in the adjacent, recently opened Provincial Library, which houses some 20,000 books.
Hill Tribes
Drive through the Champasak region, which lies at an altitude of about 4,000 feet (1,219 meters), and is home to around a dozen quite obscure ethnic minorities who are Mon-Khmer in origin, among them the Suay, known for being elephant herders or mahouts, and the Katu, known for their elaborate funerary rites. Chat with these people through your guide/interpreter who will share with you their unique way of life in Laos.
Talat Dao Heung
Visit Talat Dao Heung, one of the biggest markets in Laos and a good place to purchase the local take on Arabica coffee.
Waterfalls
Visit the landmark Tad Fane waterfall, where the roaring waters tumble and crash from a height of 800 feet. After absorbing the sights and surroundings of Tad Fane, drive to the Tad Yeung waterfall and plunge into its gorgeous swimming area.
Laos Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Northern
Central
Southern
Pakse Itineraries
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $3,400
- Duration
- 15 days / 14 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $23,500
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $2,100
Champasak Grand Hotel
The most modern hotel in Pakse, the four-star Champasak Grand is located on the banks of the Mekong and the perfect base for exploring the city, as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside. The property's 214 guest rooms and suites come with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds for twin occupancy. All rooms are tastefully furnished and are appointed with standard modern amenities. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with river views, a gym, and a business center. For dining, guests can choose from The Grand Coffee Shop for Lao and international cuisines, the Lobby Lounge for drinks and pastries (try freshly-brewed coffee from the Bolaven Plateau), Sa La Gang Kong for seafood on the Mekong, and Zhong Hua Lou for Chinese dishes. Champasak Grand Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Pakse International Airport.
Champasak Palace Hotel
Originally built as a palace for the last king of Laos, this three-star hotel features unique hand-painted art-deco tiles and hand-carved motifs. The property is also home to the only glass lift in Laos. There are 115 guest rooms divided between six different room categories, all with high ceilings; though befitting the building's history, no two rooms are the same. Hotel facilities include a gift shop, business center, and sauna. For dining, there is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves European cuisine. Champasak Palace Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Pakse International Airport.
Arawan Riverside Hotel
On the banks of the Mekong River, the Arawan Riverside Hotel is located five minutes from the heart of Pakse, capital of the Champasak reigon of southern Laos. Historically known as the capital of the Lao Kingdom of Champasak, Pakse proudly bears markers of ancient Lao culture and tradition in its beautiful temples and natural scenery along the river, melded with the stately architectural remnants of the city’s French colonial history. The Arawan Riverside Hotel has 128 rooms, including junior and signature suites, all of which are designed with an elephant theme in homage to Southeast Asia’s most iconic animal. Amenities include a swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the Mekong, an outdoor bar and restaurant, wine cellar, international café, business center, fitness room, and spa. In-room wireless Internet access is available for a fee. The Arawan Riverside Hotel is 10 minutes away by car from Pakse International Airport (PKZ), with daily service to Vientiane (VTE), Siem Reap (REP), and Savannakhet Airports (ZVK).
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Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Laos Silk Weaving Up Close
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Lao people have been weaving these colorful threads for more than 1,000 years with silk made from mulberry leaf-fed silk worms.
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Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis
- Author
- Tyler Roney
If you’re talking about fine dining in Luang Prabang, you’re talking about Rosewood Luang Prabang — and most certainly about culinary director Sebastien Rubis.
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Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Southern Laos offers rarely seen and almost epic tribal adventure. The Brao, Alak, Katu or “Katang” and Ta Oi tribes all offer fascinating cultural insights.
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What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Party of four from Missouri & Tokyo
We appreciated traveling in remote areas...the slice-of-life experiences made the trip worthwhile.
