Pakse

Pakse is a city in southern Laos, where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet. Its central Wat Luang is a lavishly decorated Buddhist temple where monks collect alms at sunrise. The Champasak Historical Heritage Museum explores the region's culture through jewelry, textile and musical instrument displays. The city's past is reflected in its French colonial architecture, especially in the old quarter near Xe Don River.
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Trip plannersLaosChampasak Province

Pakse Trip Planner

Trip plannersLaosChampasak Province

Pakse Trip Planner

Ready to plan your trip to Pakse? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Pakse

Wat Phousalao
1. Wat Phousalao
4.5
(715)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
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This location is well worth the hike! There's no fees at all and the only things you'll be paying for are the drinks and food vendors at the base of the hill. There are two ways to get to the top and that is by walking up the extremely steep stairs or taking the long road by car. The road is longer, but actually quicker since the hike has many sets of stairs and one would be out of breath after each one. Make sure to have at least one bottle of water with you. They do sell water at the top of the hill as well. Me and some of my family took the stairs while the other half drove. It is definitely a good way of exercise if you have that extra few hours each day. On the way up, if you turn around there is a beautiful view of the Mekong River. Once you reach the top, there are tens and tens of golden Buddha statues and the giant Buddha. When I went there are a lot of tourists hanging near the top chatting with each other which I find heartwarming. Inside the temple there was only one monk that blessed me and my cousin. If you give a donation, the monk will allow you to select a Buddha charm from the bowls nearby. I thought it was the end of that as me and my family left and crossed the bridge back into the main city, but when I turned around I saw the giant Buddha statue on the hill just glowing in the night. It looked as though it was praying in the sky since everything else was dark. Such a beautiful sight.
Mukda Soumphonphakdy — Google review
Very easy (relatively) climb up and you are rewarded with stunning views. Sunset is the best time to go and you can refresh yourself on some benches with the evening breezes. Very nice. Free.
Dimitris Travel And Tips — Google review
A ancient temple of Hindu and Budda, bow it turn to heritage of the word by UNESCO. To be honest, it’s not so big as Angkor Wat, but the structure is great. With the greenery and terraces by stones make the temple become beautiful Ticket 50.000 LAK for foreigners and 20.000 for locals
Tuân Nông Phạm — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous at sunset. Plenty of people walking up the many steps (it’s very steep). But you can also ride a motorbike all the way to the top! I’d 100% recommend going just before sunset. Google says it closes but there’s no gate or anyone saying you need to leave at that time, so enjoy the whole sunset!
Elie Katz — Google review
The temple, in itself as one of many. But the Great Buddha, as well as the monastery complex, is the place from which the view "shoot" at the Mekong River, the bridge, and the city of Pakse. The largest city in southern Laos, the main crossroads and a large community of cyclists. With the curiosity that in so large cities, there is neither service, nor bicycle real shops.You can go to the monastery by bicycle, as I did with my @capriolo bike, but the road is very steep.
Zoran Zivlak — Google review
Wow what a view and a beautiful place to visit! Definitely worth a trip, it was free for us but we did ride up on the moped and quickly seen the view and went back down as there was a storm coming but I can imagine the sunset being incredible!
Jessica Catley — Google review
This location wad a great visit. According to my own visit, there was no entrance fee and we could park on the side. Wat Phouslao not only had a big and large buddha statue but also had an army of statue, temples, and an overlook of the area. Many concession stands selling snacks and goodies on the side in case you get hungry. Great visit and better yet, great view of the city.
Brandon Phetlasymongkhon — Google review
300 meters up the stairs to reach Wat Phousalao. The Big Buddha is looking at the Mekhong River. Behind him, there are hundreds of smaller Buddha on the side of the hill. Just amazing. The 2 temple structures are not very special but the location makes it peculiar. It is definitely worth a visit and the effort you will have to make to reach the place. You can also hire a taxi from Pakse which will reach the place from the other side of the hill.
Oliver K — Google review
Great views from the top - there are over 100 very steep steps (in places) up to the Buddha. A lovely temple with rows of smaller Buddhas.
Sasha Hardman — Google review
We called this Big Buddha temple at the top of the hill. The view is amazing, great to come up here on a nice windy afternoon.
patrick lee — Google review
With a panoramic view of the surroundings, this hilltop temple just outside Pakse in the south of Laos is well known for its large Buddha statue which can be seen for miles around. Looking out over the Mekong, the town of Pakse and as far as the Bolaven Plateau.
Thiep Mai Phuc — Google review
progress to the top from the small road And the second one will be by stairs for strong legs. Once at the top, you will get very nice point of view of all Pakse and the big Lao nipon bridge. For sure there are many budha and the giant one. Make sure to ware appropriate clothes to respect the spirits of this place.
Pascal Cranshoff — Google review
Best timing to come is about 45 minutes before sunset time. Eg: start climbing at 4.45pm if sunset is at 5.30pm. Reach the top for clear blue sky. Stay for a 30-45 minutes and watch the sky change to different shades of pink, purple, orange. BEAUTIFUL. Climbed the 600+ steps twice and worth every step. :)
Shu Min — Google review
Short drive from Pakse just across the river and up the mountain. Breathe taking views. Other reviews say go during sunset which I believe has a nice sunset. We went during the peak hours when the sun was the hottest which was our mistake, it was hot. Definitely a must visit spot in Pakse for sure.
David Krylon — Google review
Nice temple. We came here by motorbike go straight to the top. No need to walk stairs at all. You can see all Pakse view next to Mekong river.
Bella Le — Google review
Nice viewpoint with the buddha. You can walk up the 200 odd stairs in the heat, or ride past the food stands at the bottom of the stairs and follow the road - it goes up the hill to the buddha.
Daniel Jones — Google review
Quite beautiful and unique. Not too many things to see here, but it's a nice peaceful. Also cool views of the city. Thumbs up.
Tomáš Gregor — Google review
Lao Development Bank
2. Lao Development Bank
3.9
(7)
Bank
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 1
saeng xay — Google review
Wat Luang
3. Wat Luang
4.3
(282)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Large Buddhist temple with murals, tombs & sweeping river views, popular for sunset watching.
Slide 1 of 10
Interesting temple that is located on the banks of the Mekong in Pakse. Is interesting to look around and go inside, much quieter than other temples I’ve been to in Laos. Free to enter
Tom Hunt — Google review
Beautiful temple in Pakse.
raki millennium — Google review
Beautiful Wat on the bank of river Xe Don. Enjoyed my afternoon of solitude and mindfulness in the gardens.
Subir Chowdhuri — Google review
I wanted to visit the temple as a tourist at the middle of a day (14.00), but there was evil dog barking and nobody helped me I just wanted to explore the Lao culture. It is sad the I couldn't.
Liudmila — Google review
Depends on what time a day you wake up. So it's really fresh in the morning
I-Rate-U — Google review
In comparison to other regional temples this is ordinary in comparison. The usual colourful buildings and serene prayer hall. Many ornate tombs and stupahs are in the grounds.
Vincent Oliver — Google review
I've seen a lot of pagodas in my days, and there isn't really anything too special about this one. It overlooks the Xe Don River in the back, making it a good place to view some boat races if it's that time of the year, but otherwise I can't really think of a reason to make an effort to come here.
Rodney Egel — Google review
I gave 4 stars by country standard. Three things I like here: -Small and modern temple in Pakse -Beautiful color -View of Mekon River
Nui — Google review
It's local temple for people, but it's big and gorgeous. Also good for seeing and walking for tourists.
Naho Umetani (Kato) — Google review
Spent a few hours chatting with curious monks. There is a 100yo unrenovated college that is worth the visit alone.
Mark Colan — Google review
Lao-Nippon Bridge
4. Lao-Nippon Bridge
4.3
(75)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
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Westerner posted negative comments but the bridge is still a big player.
raki millennium — Google review
When in Pakse, the right place for a morning walk / run over the Mekong. Energises you for the whole day.....cant miss the fishermen in their boats early in the mornings. Perfect place to catch the morning sunrise.....
Sawan Muthanna — Google review
I’ve been to the Harbour Bridge in Sydney but it’s nothing compared to this amazing bridge
Marle van de Ven — Google review
Well... Its a bridge. A fine one at that. The footpath is a bit on the narrow side for us westerners. Be careful crossing the road. I didn't go all the way across as my leg is broken. Some nice views of farming under the bridge on the right.
Billy Leo — Google review
The purposes behind the construction of Lao-Nippon Bridge were to further open this part of Laos to tourism, to stimulate agricultural development in the nearby Bolovens Plateau, one of the country’s most fertile areas, and to create an integrated road network within the region and with Lao’s neighbouring countries. It is inevitable that the completion of the Lao-Nippon Bridge will bring further development to Laos.
PHETSIAM PROMNGOY — Google review
Nothing special for bridges. Pity the lights on the sides and spotlights and the overhead lights not working, else would be impressive at night. Lovely Mekong sunset views from the bridge.
Vincent Oliver — Google review
One of Laos' few bridges over the mighty Mekong. Definitely worth a crossing when visiting Pakse.
Stefan Herold — Google review
Beautiful sunset, the light of the sun on the river is amazing like northern lights.. the weather is cool today and a little windy 🌬️🌬️ its the first place I plan to walk when I've got a bad mood
The WiTCh — Google review
Good view
Phornsavanh soukskoun — Google review
Phou Don Tai
5. Phou Don Tai
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Tad Gneuang Waterfall
6. Tad Gneuang Waterfall
4.6
(1815)
National park
Nature & Parks
Picturesque twin waterfalls in rugged jungle surrounds, with a small pool & adjacent restaurant.
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The entrance fee is 10k Kip per person. There's a restaurant in it, which serves good & tasty foods. Didn't manage to snap food pictures as everyone was too hungry. The waterfall is grand & nice. The steps are slippery after rain. I regret as I didn't manage to walk all the way as it was too slippery for me. The rain plus the splashes from the waterfall will make you wet. So do take note to wear proper attires when visiting.
Tammy Tan — Google review
Not easy to spot the small gravel road off the highway ( there is a large sign!). Entrance and parking fees worth it! Lovely curio shops, coffee shop and restaurant. Steep stairs down to admire the twin falls, and getting refreshed in the spray. A lovely place.
Vincent Oliver — Google review
Such a beautiful place. Lovely lush green area at the top of the falls would be perfect for a picnic. Stairs to the bottom of the falls are a bit steep, but not too difficult. Can swim here. Enjoy!
Tabitha Fox — Google review
Fee to enter: 20,000 kip/pp Motorcycle parking: 5,000kip From the main road, its about half a kilometer drive on good asphalted road. There are a bunch of souvenir sellers, a restaurant and food stalls. When we visited, the food stalls are closed. Maybe they open on busier days like Friday and weekends. No staff in charge of telling visitors where to go. There are not a lot of directional signs either so we just hiked wherever and followed the sound of water. We first crossed the bamboo bridge to the streams. The water was so inviting so we soaked our feet, not sure about swimming because there's no signs but there's a lot of watering holes in that area. Then we proceeded to walk down and descended on the stairs and we saw the magnificent Tad Gneuang up close! It's so beautiful! 😍 The water was ice cold but we dipped our feet and enjoyed the thundering sound of water and mists for half an hour. It was so relaxing and invigorating. Worth the drive!
Belle — Google review
One of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever visit. The place is super natural and you feel the power of nature. Water is cold and cools you down, during a sunny day. There’re a lot shops around. It’s not so touristy as they sad it would to be.
Carlos — Google review
Unbelievably beautiful waterfall. Entrance costs 10.000 and scooter parking 5.000. It has a restaurant so if you are hungry you can have some lunch here. It was not as beautiful as on a sunny day but still mesmerising
Niko Eleftheriadis — Google review
There is two parts of the area, above and under the waterfall. Here you'll find the most food and drink stands compared to the other waterfalls. + Above: You can walk along the river where people swim or rest on the side. Of course, the place is typically trashed by Asian tourists, Laotian or not, they just leave everything on the floor when leaving. Most people stay on the first 200meters and you will find quiet place if you continue walking by the river, also less trash. + Under: It is unclear wether or not you're allowed to swim under the waterfall, but during my visit people respected "The view and the pretty picture appeal" and I think it's for the better! Just go to Tad Champee Waterfall if you want to swim! If you stay near the waterfall you'll receive a refreshing droplet spray. You can mostly hide from the sun against the reclining rocks near the waterfall or under the shaded viewpoints.
Corey — Google review
Best ever experience to me with friends….damm excellent place to visit in September/October….very little charge and good restaurants for food and coffee
Sagar Murumkar — Google review
Must visit when in Pakse. The main highway from the city is a great drive and only the last 1km is a dirt road, which is also not bad. Entrance fee was 20k per person plus a minimal parking fee. You can stand at the top of the falls and then do a short hike to see it from the bottom (can’t swim here). You’ll definitely get wet because of the mist, which will feel amazing on a hot afternoon.
Divya Gupta — Google review
A beautiful sight. Worth a visit. Be careful if you are short of time and the restaurant is full of patrons. The service can be slower than you may expect.
Norlee Flaaten — Google review
One of the best waterfalls we’ve ever seen!! It is so pretty and the falls are so impressive. The climb down to the bottom is all steps but they are kind of steep and would be slippy if wet. Being by the waterfall is amazing and you can feel the spray as the water comes crashing down. You can even swim in the water here!
Tom Hunt — Google review
One of the popular places that you should visit. I suggest that you should be training your strength or be the good physical health if you want to walk down to see the waterfall from bottom. it was stunning view !!! Delicious food’s also
Louknam Phachanpheng (Louknam) — Google review
Road: Please be careful when riding to this waterfall, especially the part which has a lot of small rocks. It's really easy to slip and fall. Other than that, everything is fine. Waterfall: It was a little bit confusing for me at first cause I wasn't sure where to go and what to do, needed a while to figure things out. There are 02 different areas, one where you can see the waterfall from the above and one where you can go down to feel the strength of the water and get wet. So remember not to miss any of those. Activities: You can't swim here. Only come to enjoy the beauty of it with your own eyes and take some photos. Price: 10.000 kip/person for the entrance fee 5.000 kip/motorcycle.
Vy Nguy?n Lan T??ng — Google review
Definitely worth the 45K admission! Out of the three waterfalls in this area, this one was my favourite. It's clean, well maintained, and absolutely stunning. I was here on a Saturday morning (~1100) and surprisingly it wasn't super busy.
Courtney G — Google review
We came here in the dry season, it was very sunny, but the waterfall was still water but not showing its full beauty. the food service, souvenirs here are quite good, people are friendly and helpful
Thiep Mai Phuc — Google review
Impressive waterfall, very touristic and one of the more expensive entry tickets compared to the others. Defiantly recommend it, even for a picnic
Yuval Shtober — Google review
Well worth a visit if in the vicinity or especially if you are into zip wire activities. In my opinion though not particularly impressive as a view. Note this photo was taken at the end of the rainny season, during the dry season there will be less flow.
Colin Langham-Fitt — Google review
This twin waterfall was a great sight to see. At the top, there was a bridge that allowed you to see the top of the waterfall and a stream of water pickled with rocks. Some stairs led down to the bottom of the waterfall where you can see this magnificent watterfalls. The best part of our experience was having the ability to go down more stairs and get closer to where the water drop off happens. You can feel the breeze alongside with small particles of water droplets that hit you. A very calming view to see and relax to.
Brandon Phetlasymongkhon — Google review
One of my best experiences in Laos. Amazing even in heavy rain, the view from the restaurant was also quite unique. Nice place to visit. With many coffe and tea gardens in close proximity and other waterfalls nearby, it can make for a nice trip.
Tomáš Gregor — Google review
Nice view and if you have time. You should to spend more time for swimming here. Amazing 🤩
Mickey Tourguide's Maps — Google review
My favourite waterfall here. Nice for a little hike to the bottom, picknic at the top or lunch in the restaurant.
Ilona Olech — Google review
Best waterfall out of the “four sisters” - well worth the total entry fee of 25k. Water is SHALLOW - this is not the place to be diving head first (learned from experience).
Ian Forbes — Google review
This place has an excellent scenery for taking memorable pictures. If you have a flycam, bring it with you to capture the stunning views from above.
Thiện Sinh — Google review
Good location to visit but not good for who has issues foe leg and born. As per many step. However the waterfall were amazing.
Kwanchai Quinzy Yokto — Google review
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Other notable attractions

Vat Chompet
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Lao-Nippon Bridge
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
Museum
Heritage museum

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