Pakse, capital of Champassak Province

Between 1713 and 1946, Pakse was once the capital of the Kingdom of Champassak. Today, Pakse is the second most populous city in Laos and the largest in Southern Laos. The city is located on the left bank of the Mekong, at the confluence of the Nam Se River. Thanks to its airport and its two bridges over the Se Don River and the Mekong (which provides access to Thailand), the city is the best-connected in Southern Laos. It is also the main commercial hub for Southern Laos, where you can find typical local products from the region such as coffee from the Bolaven Plateau.

Pakse: ປາກເຊ

What to do in Pakse?

The “Champasak Historical Heritage Museum” will allow you to learn more about the historical, political, ethnic, and cultural past of the Province. The city market, Talat Dao Heuang, is one of the largest in the country, and as elsewhere, there are also many temples worth visiting. For example, Wat Luang, or Wat Tham Fai near the Champassak Palace. Don’t miss a stroll through the old colonial quarter and along the banks of the Mekong. In the evening, climb to the top of Mount Salao, where you will find a majestic temple and an immense 30m-high Buddha. The perfect spot to watch the sun set over the plain. From Pakse, you can also enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the Mekong. Let yourself be carried downstream to the 4,000 Islands aboard the Vat Phou Boat, discovering essential sites and watching the superb landscapes of Southern Laos go by.

Where to Stay in Pakse?

Here are some of our recommendations for hotels in Pakse: in the heart of Pakse, Residence Sisouk is a former family home full of history and memories. You will be welcomed in a warm and traditional atmosphere. Its colonial-style rooms with a touch of modernity will undoubtedly offer you a pleasant and comfortable stay. You will also find an intimate and warm atmosphere at the Jardin Hotel. Its relaxing garden and swimming pool are the ideal place for a moment of absolute relaxation! Do not hesitate to contact us to book your charming hotel in Pakse. If the hotel of your choice is not included in your Laos tour, please let us know. Your satisfaction and desires are our priority, and we adapt the accommodation for your tailor-made trip to Laos according to your specific wishes.

What to see around Pakse?

About forty-five minutes south of Pakse lies the pretty town of Champassak, on the right bank of the Mekong. This peaceful little town is an essential stop on your trip to Laos due to its superb landscapes and must-see sites, including the famous Wat Phou, a pre-Angkorian temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pakse is also the starting point for exploring the Si Phan Don region, also known as the 4,000 Islands. During the dry season, the water level drops, revealing islets and sandbanks. Local residents take advantage of this to cultivate fields or use them as pasture for water buffalo. Near Pakse, you will also find the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its tea and coffee plantations, as well as its superb waterfalls including Tad Lo, Tad Fane, and Tad Gneuang.

Visit Pakse with Asia Safari Laos

Pakse: Our Tailor-Made Travel Ideas

Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

• Local French-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
• Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
• Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
• 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year

How does our tailor-made service work?

1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities

When to visit Laos?

The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.

Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

Our most requested Indochina combinations

Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.

Our Story

Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.

What sets us apart

We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.

Our commitment

Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.

Laos in figures

Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7

Laos must-sees

Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

Lao culture

Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.

Nature and biodiversity

Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.