Southern Provinces Champasak
Pakse is a city that is growing in popularity among tourists and locals alike. The Lao Government has put a lot of careful work into promoting new, ecologically friendly and well-regulated tourist destinations. Experience the thrill of adventure with the convenience of regular and reliable services. You can easily spend a week or so just making day and overnight trips from Pakse. It is the largest city in the south of Laos and can be used as a transit point to neighbouring countries.
Its delightful old world charm has not been despoiled by the slow but steady pace of modernization. Here the traveller will find many guesthouses which offer comfortable quarters along with a in a friendly and accomodating atmosphere. There are several beautiful vats to explore, each with its own unique features . A quiet stroll on the banks of either of the two rivers, watching the sun disappear into the horizon leaves you feeling contented and at peace with the world. Finish a tranquil day with a delectable meal at any one of the restaurants along the riverbanks and bask in the welcoming embrace of the locals.
In the south of Laos, in Champasak Province near the Cambodian border, some 200 km from Angkor Wat and about a one hour drive from Pakse on a good road, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vat Phou.
Following Road 113 south from Pakse to Pakxong, tourists can visit several natural waterfalls, up in the Bolaven Plateau, or Phouphieng Bolaven, one of the most interesting ecosystem of Champassak Province.
Part of the Mekong 4000 Islands (spelled “sip phan don” or siphandone in Lao), these destinations on the Laos-Cambodian border are ideal for those who wish to get away for a couple of days.
Khone Phapeng waterfall, which spans 14km across the width of the mighty Mekong river, is listed as the world's widest waterfall. More akin to tumbling rapids than a waterfall from a Western perspective, it is still quite impressive, especially during the rainy season when the water is running fast and furious.
No other protected area in Laos resembles Xe Pian in terms of its habitats and species. It has 51 species of birds, the highest number recorded for any NBCA. Seven of these species are unique and have not been recorded in any other protected area in Lao PDR.
