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Champasak Province, Laos: Travel Guide And Things To Do

Are you planning your next trip to Southeast Asia and wondering where to go? Look no further than Champasak province in southern Laos. With rich history and culture, ancient temples, a blend of Lao and Khmer traditions, and many beautiful natural landscapes, this province will be the ideal destination for you. Additionally, Champasak is home to the UNESCO-recognized historical site, Wat Phu. Whether you're interested in trekking through the forests of the Bolaven Plateau or exploring unique Khmer culture, Champasak has it all.

What to do in Champasak? What to eat and where to stay?,.. For a perfect trip, let’s check out our Champasak travel guide! All those questions will be answered in this guide. We'll help you make the most of your visit to Champasak province, saving you time on trip preparation. Let's start our journey of discovery!

1. General information about Champasak, Laos
2. Things to do before traveling to Champask
3. Best time to visit Champasak, Laos
4. Useful tips for your travel to Champasak, Laos

1. General information about Champasak, Laos

Champasak, situated in the southwestern part of Laos, shares borders with Thailand and Cambodia. Covering approximately 15.5 thousand square kilometers and home to a population of roughly 700 thousand, it stands as one of Laos' largest and most populous provinces. This province was also part of the Lan Xang kingdoms, the very first nation of the Lao people. Unlike more bustling areas like Vientiane or Luang Prabang in Laos, Champasak is still a tranquil and unspoiled spot. However, it has many beautiful things to see, which will surprise and impress visitors. Champasak province Laos is well-known for its French colonial architecture and numerous ancient temples that were built during the Khmer empire from the 10th century. In Champasak, you can take a cruise to explore the Mekong River, visit 4000 islands and Wat Phu temple.

2. Things to do before traveling to Champask

2.1. 1st thing to do is book a hotel

Where to stay in Champasak province Laos? Champasak has a variety of accommodations to choose from, catering to different preferences from hotels and resorts to eco-lodges and guesthouses. Prices vary, with motels starting at less than 12 USD and luxury hotels and resorts going up to around 200 USD, you'll find a place that suits your needs and budget.

Hotel in Champasak Laos- Things to do in Champasak

Here is a list of recommended hotels:

The River Resort: The River Resort in Laos is a leading eco-friendly accommodation with luxurious accommodations and 5-star customer reviews. On TripAdvisor, it's ranked number one among 24 hotels in Champasak province and has received Certificates of Excellence from 2013 to 2018, along with Travelers' Choice Awards from 2014 to 2019.

Pakse Hotel: located right in the heart of Pakse, this hotel offers many high quality options for accommodation, dining, relaxation services, etc. This hotel is the ideal choice of stay for visiting the beautiful Mekong River, Wat Phu Temple, Wat Luang and other attractions of Champasak, Laos.

Sala Done Khone Hotel: Sala Done Khone Hotel is a 40-minute drive from Khone Phapheng Waterfall. This hotel offers modern accommodations, a swimming pool and a shuttle service. Book this hotel if you love the ancient mode!

The Riviera Champasak: This hotel in Champasak has a restaurant, bar, garden, and free WiFi. It also offers room service and a terrace for guests. You can enjoy an American breakfast here too. The Riviera Champasak is about 30 km from Pakse and 34 km from Pakse International Airport.

Champasak Grand hotel: Located next to the Mekong River, Laos-Nippon Bridge and a short distance from Pakse International Airport, this is an ideal 4-star hotel for a trip to Champasak. From the hotel, you can easily explore famous places such as Dao Heuang market and Wat Phu.

The River Resort hotel in Champasak Laos

See more: Top hotels Champasak Laos

2.2. 2nd thing to do is find attractions in Champasak, Laos

a. Bolaven plateau laos

The Bolaven Plateau is located in the middle of the Truong Son mountain range and sit on the eastern border of Laos and Vietnam. It's considered one of the most beautiful places in southern Laos. The name "Bolaven" means home of the Laven people, the largest ethnic group in southern Laos. This plateau is famous for its tea, coffee, and rubber plantations managed by locals. When coming here, visitors can wander through the plantations and enjoy a cup of famous coffee. Besides that, Bolaven also possesses a natural beauty coming from poetic waterfalls. Many of the most beautiful waterfalls are found in Bolaven, including Tad Nam Tok Katamtok, Tad Fane, and Tad Yuang. The waterfalls look their best during the rainy season, from mid-July to October. If you visit between mid-October and February, you can see the coffee harvest on the coffee farms. If you plan to explore Bolaven on a motorbike, make sure to bring a raincoat and wear suitable clothes!

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oZmJLLVZaCSAmurA7

Bolaven plateau laos- things to do in Champasak Laos

b. Wat Phu

What to do in Champasak? Come visit the ancient Wat Phu temple! Located in Pakse, it's one of the oldest temples, built centuries ago. Back in the day, it was all about worshipping the god Shiva, which used to be a Hinduism hub. But by the 13th century, it transformed into a center for Theravada Buddhism. With many famous landscapes, in 2001, Wat Phu temple was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and became one of the most attractive destinations in Laos.Visitors don't just come here for sightseeing; they also visit to pray for peace and prosperity.

Every year, on the full moon day of March, the Wat Phu festival takes place, featuring traditional activities that showcase the culture of Champasak's ethnic groups and the history of Laos. You can consider going to Champasak and Wat Phu at this time to get the most authentic experiences.

Address: Muang Champasak, Laos

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvkoPfo8NRVV17fLA

c. Si Phan Don- The 4000 islands

If you've already explored Wat Phu and the Bolaven Plateau on your first day in Champasak Laos, consider spending the second day in Si Phan Don, also known as the "Land of 4000 Islands." This name comes from the fact that the area is made up of around 4000 islands of various sizes. The four largest and most visited islands are Don Khong, Don Som, Don Det, and Don Khon. When coming to Si Phan Don, you can immerse yourself in the pristine, picturesque natural scenery of the Mekong River and explore the life of Lao people in the villages on the island. You can also witness South Asia's biggest waterfall, Khone Phapheng, and even get a glimpse of the very rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Riding bicycles, taking dips in waterfalls, and boating on the river are all popular activities when you visit Si Phan Don.

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4E3oMqwmin3J5dzNA

Si Phan Don The 4000 islands - Champasak Laos

d. Pakse

Pakse, also spelled as Pakxe, is the capital of Champasak province and the second-largest city in Laos. Pakse is often seen as a starting point to visit well-known spots mentioned above like Wat Phu temple, the Bolaven Plateau, and 4000 islands. To begin your journey in Pakse, you can visit Wat Luang, which is both the biggest and oldest temple in the city. Moreover, you'll also get the chance to explore Dao Heuang market in Pakse, a bustling Asian market that happens in the morning. At this market, you can buy anything from clothes and household items to jewelry and food; meet the locals and learn about Lao culture. Apart from its attractions, Pakse is a culinary heaven with delicious dishes. Visiting Pakse is definitely one of the things to do in Champasak, Laos. For this city, you should stay at least two days to explore the unique culture of Laos.

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BFZTt4SCthAffd3D9

Wat Luang- Pakse, what to do in Champasak

2.3. 3rd thing to do is find best spots for food and drink in Champasak

Champasak province Laos has over 70 restaurants, with many in Paske town. You can savor a variety of tasty dishes from different cuisines, including Laos, Thailand, India, Italy, and Vietnam. You'll also find Western and international options in other places. If you're interested in trying local specialties like fish salad (lap pla), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), mok pa (fish steamed in banana leaves) or sour fish (pla dek), check out the roadside shops in Champasak. For drinks, be sure to try a cup of coffee at the Bolaven plateau!

Below are suggested addresses:

Le Panorama Rooftop Restaurant: Located at the top of Pakse hotel. This restaurant offers a very diverse menu and a beautiful view overlooking the town. While the meals might be a bit pricier, the experience is definitely worth it!

Address: Street N°5, Ban Vat Luang, Pakse, Laos

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vDsdB6DgWMyQ5RTR7

Phai Lorm restaurant: serving local dishes at cheap prices

Address: Pakse, Laos

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbscTcBLwpcK9sedA

Soum Noum restaurant: An ideal restaurant to try traditional Lao dishes and explore authentic Mediterranean food. Here, you will also find typical Italian pizza baked in a wood oven and great wines and cocktails.

Address: Ban Amart Champasak Muang Champasak, Laos

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FupGeBnjLotRsnBD8

Dok Mai Lao Trattoria Italiana: Enjoy Italian dishes in Laos with a beautiful garden

Address: Pakse, Laos

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2kxTXVN5SFnEo5tW7

Hasan Indian: Serving a mix of Indian and Western dishes

Address: Pakse, Laos

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ZuYj55T9Habnv2v8

2.4. 4th thing to do is learn about transportation in Champasak

Grab isn't available in Laos, unlike in some other Southeast Asian countries. To get around Champasak province Laos, you can take public buses from Pakse's two bus stations to district centers 2- 3-times a day. A 07:30 bus departs the Dao Heuang Market for Champasak Town at 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00. Buses to Don Khong and Don Khone leave from the Southern Bus Station at around 09:00 and 15:30 and to Paksong at 08:30, 09:30, and 12:30. Moreover, you can also hire songthaews (pickup trucks with benches) or tuk- tuks for one-way or day trips. In Champasak, there are car rental services (with drivers) and motorbike rentals. But on pleasant days, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the villages in Champasak!

Below is the price list of transportation in Champasak, Laos:

Types of transport	Bus	Songthaew	Tuk-tuk	Car	Motorbike	Bicycle
Price	20.000 - 55.000 LAK (1-3 USD/per)	10.000 -20.000 LAK/ride (~1-1.5 USD)	200.000 LAK/car/7 seats (10 USD)	Around 830.000 LAK ( 40 USD)	140.000-250.000 LAK ( 7-12 USD)	30.000 -50.000 LAK/hour (~1.5- 2.5 USD)

3. Best time to visit Champasak, Laos

The best time to visit Champasak is from October to February. During this period, the weather is not too hot, and it's less humid, which is great for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing, as well as enjoying the waterfalls. If you visit in the summer, around March to May, be sure to protect yourself from the heat to stay healthy. It's advisable to avoid Champasak during the monsoon season, from July to September, when there are often floods and landslides. Proper trip planning will ensure you have a memorable experience in Champasak!

Month	Weather	Suggested activities
Otc- Feb: Dry season	19-35°C	Outdoor activities: hiking, sightseeing, cycling, visiting temples
Mar- May: Hot season	24-40°C	Explore festivals: Pha Veat, Pi Mai, Bang Phai
Jun- Sep: Rainy season	24-32°C	Visit the Bolaven plateau and explore the waterfalls

4. Useful tips for your travel to Champasak, Laos

Besides the important information above, take a look at the following tips to make your trip even better:

- Before departing for Champasak, consult reputable travel companies to plan your trip. You can contact Autour Asia to choose a suitable tour package.

- You should book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure you have a room.

- Laotians hold Buddhism in high regard. When visiting temples, dress modestly and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

- Opting for the bus can be a more budget-friendly choice compared to taking tuk-tuks.

- While traveling, you can use either USD or Kip for payments, but it's advisable to prioritize using Kip.