Pakse
Southern Laos

"Pakse -- the Stopover to beautiful Bolaven Plateau"


"Pakse" was last updated on Jan 03, 2011
All information below is subject to change

In this article you`ll find:



Most travelers travel through Pakse to see the incredible and popular Bolaven Plateau, or they stop over on their way to 4000 Islands in Southern Laos.

Crossing the Lao/Thai border by Chong Mek also makes this town an ideal stopover. Another reason might be the huge markets and excellent Laotian food.

On the other hand, there are no other reasons to stay in Pakse than the ones mentioned above..

It's a simple town with French architecture. And it doesn`t have any lively and charming atmosphere as Luang Prabang Laos (in my opinion).

So, I'm afraid that some travelers will find this town as...boring and lacks personality!

But overall, the town is worth a visit just because of the Bolaven Plateau!

How to get there and out

By air: There's an airport near town, located about 4 km from downtown. From Vientiane, the flight journey only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Cheap flights:

By bus: From Vientiane there are overnight buses to Pakse. You can choose between public and VIP-buses. VIP sleeper buses are far more comfortable and faster. Most VIP sleeper buses leave around 07.00-08.00 pm and the journey lasts for 10 hours.

From Savannakhet you can take also choose between local buses or VIP-buses. For the public buses, purchase a ticket at the bus station (35,000 kip, 5 hours).

Most of the time it will be crowded and the journey slow. If you want a faster option, VIP-buses is the right choice (55,000-60,000 kip, 4 hours).

Most backpackers leaving Pakse go straight to 4000 islands. Minivan transportation is the common means of transport. They leave daily at 08.00 am and drive to Nakasang, where a boat is waiting to take you to Don Det or Don Khong.

Regular buses to Nakasang or Don Khong leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Pakse between 08.00 to 16.00.

Important places to know about:

  • Police station and hospital near Champasak Market.
  • Lao Development Bank on Road 13. Here you can exchange money and cash in traveller cheques. You also have the BCEL near the river road.
  • Tourist Information near BCEL.
  • Bus Station going North is north of the city on Route 13.
  • Bus Station going South is southeast of town on Route 13.
  • Post office at the corner of Road 8 and Road 1.
  • You can get internet access all over town.




Articles



tad fan resort lodge pakse laos main backpacking tips asia

Where to sleep

Wondering about where to spend the night in town?

Here are some reviews and information about guesthouses, cheap hotels and Tad Fan resort!

Welcome to Pakse Hotel and Guesthouses

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laos food laotian food laos culture laotian culture

Where to eat and relax

Dying to try the Laotian food?

Find out where you can eat, right here!

Here are the markets and restaurants I tried.

Cheap, delicious food is waiting for you!

... and you even get prices for food! :-D

Welcome to Laos Food!

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bolaven plateau tad pha suam waterfalls backpacking tips asia

Bolaven Plateau

There aren't many attractions in town.

Travelers visit this town to experience Bolaven Plateau.

Here's everything you need to know about the Plateau and accommodation in Tad Lo.

Bolaven Plateau

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So, where do you want to go next?

Try the popular caving and tubing in Vang Vieng.

Stop by Luang Prabang Laos!

Visiting Don Det in 4000 islands?

Going South to visit the Angkor Temples in Cambodia? Go to Siem Reap Cambodia

Visiting the capital of Laos -- Vientiane?

Return to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.





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