Pakse is the largest city in southern Laos and sits in Champasak Province, where the Mekong and the Sedone rivers meet. Its main role for visitors is practical: it is a commercial hub and a convenient base from which to reach some of the region's best-known sights. The city is also sometimes listed under the names Pakxe or Champasak.
Why visit
Pakse works well as a place to plan and rest between journeys. Many travellers use it as a gateway to the 4000 Islands region further south on the Mekong, and as a starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside.
What to see nearby
- Wat Phou temple complex, a set of ancient temple ruins that makes a full-day trip from the city.
- The Mekong waterfalls, which can be reached as part of a day or longer excursion from Pakse.
- The 4000 Islands, a scattered archipelago on the Mekong, reached by road and river from the city.
Planning your stay
Because Pakse is the main centre for the south, it offers the services that smaller towns in the area may lack, including accommodation, transport connections and shops. Visitors who want to explore the temples, falls and islands will find the city a comfortable place to organise those trips, and a practical choice for anyone heading further into southern Laos.
