While Pakse is usually a stopover for people on their way to other nearby attractions, the city itself has plenty to offer. From outstanding natural beauty to historical sites, this quiet riverside city is full of memorable experiences just waiting to be uncovered.
Explore Chill Life At Bolaven Plateau
One of the most iconic attractions in Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau is famous for its cool climate, lush greenery, and sprawling coffee plantations. The plateau enjoys an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, creating a refreshing haven from the sweltering heat of the city. A large number of waterfalls, trekking through virgin natural landscapes, and immersion into rural highland life make for some of the things that travelers can undertake upon their visit. Among the waterfalls, Tad Fane and Tad Lo are two of the most prominent, with their dramatic drop from steep cliffs and peaceful surroundings.
Paying visits to the coffee farms is another attraction, learning about the growing process, and sipping hot steaming cups of the local bean brew. Many do take guided tours. However, motorbike rentals are also fun for independent exploration. Be it sightseeing, adventure, or relaxation, visiting the Bolaven Plateau will be one of the unique things to do in Pakse for enthusiasts to return without memories worth a lifetime.
Walk Around The Wat Phou
Located about 40km south of Pakse, Wat Phou is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred ancient temple complexes in Laos. Originally built as early as the 5th century, this Khmer religious site even predates Angkor Wat and carries many similarities in its architectural style. Visitors will make their way up long staircases past ancient carvings and moss-covered shrines to upper sanctuaries.
The panoramic view from the top of the surrounding plains and the Mekong River is stunning. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, thus making it a meaningful place for reflection and appreciating regional history. Many travelers come up at sunrise or late afternoon for ideal soft light and cooler temperatures. A visit to Wat Phou will satisfy any traveler’s desires for history, culture, and ancient Southeast Asian architecture.
Go To The Incredible Khone Phapheng Falls
Khone Phapheng Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. It is also known as the ‘Niagara of Asia’. Khone Phapheng Waterfall is situated 100 km from Pakse on the Mekong River. This waterfall amazes visitors because of its powerful cascades thundering on huge rock formations. Nature’s raw power in the form of the waterfall’s surroundings also offers amazing opportunities for photographs.
Visitors can take walks on the observation decks to observe the waterfall rushing towards them. Khone Phapheng waterfall also houses endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin within the surrounding areas of the Mekong River. People usually visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall along with their Pakse tour.
Go Through The Pakse Bridge
Pakse Bridge, also named the ‘Lao-Japan Friendship Bridge,’ is one of the contemporary landmarks in the city. Crossing the Mekong River, the bridge connects Pakse to the neighboring districts. Other than its significance in the transportation system of the region, the bridge also serves as one of the romantic locations for observing sunset views of the surrounding landscape. Locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the views in the cool breeze.
Food stands along the sidewalks also fill the atmosphere. Visitors seeking simple yet beautiful local experiences would definitely enjoy the fun. It’s also one of the best ways to understand the modern aspect of Pakse while being surrounded by the beautiful landscape.
Enjoy Freshing Atmosphere At Phasuam Waterfall
Phasuam Waterfall is situated near the Bolaven Plateau. This waterfall is one of the most attractive natural sites in Pakse. Not many waterfalls in the world have rock formations in the shape of regular hexagons. Such natural wonders make the waterfall very attractive for photographers.
However, the rainforest surrounding the waterfall is still intact. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the forests by walking along the trails. Visitors also get to enjoy the serenity of the countryside. Cultural display villages near the waterfall allow visitors to gain insight into the life of local ethnic groups. Many tourists visit the waterfall on their way to other waterfalls in the Bolaven Plateau.
Explore Majestic Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
Si Phan Don, meaning ‘4,000 Islands,’ is an immense riverine delta some 150 km from the city of Pakse. This beautiful place is especially popular for island-hopping by boat. However, visitors also like to kayak through the quiet riverside regions of the Mekong. Don Det and Khone are the two most popular islands in the region that should be added to your things to do in Pakse.
However, visitors love the quiet fishing villages on both of the islands. Cycles and motorbikes are also available for rent. Also, the region is one of the few places in the world where one might witness the beautiful Irrawaddy dolphins. To say the least, the region is ideal for visitors who like to relax. Visitors love to spend the night in the region, enjoying both the sunrises and sunsets in the Mekong.
Swim At The Tad Yeuang Waterfall
Tad Yeuang Waterfall is also an attractive waterfall in the nearby area of the Bolaven Plateau. At this waterfall, the white water drops steeply into a deep pool amidst the backdrop of dense greenery. Walking trails are also available in the region that direct visitors through the forests. Thus, it is one of the best places for hiking and nature photography. People also come to enjoy the natural pool at the base of the waterfall for swimming.
Picnic spots in the area provide a nice place for relaxation. The nature surrounding the cave is still unspoiled. Travelers get to enjoy natural beauty. Tad Yeuang is sometimes used in combination with nearby waterfalls on a tour from Pakse.
Pray Peace At The Wat Luang
Located along the Xe Don River, Wat Luang is one of the most important and largest Buddhist temples in Pakse. Its architecture is beautiful with intricate carvings, ornamental details, and colorful patterns, highlighting all the traditional thematic expressions. Being an active religious center, Wat Luang hosts many festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, especially during the Lao New Year. Visitors can see monks perform their daily rituals and appreciate the serenity that typifies Lao Buddhism.
In the grounds of the temple, quiet reflection and photography are possible with locals arriving there to pray, meditate, or enjoy an afternoon of serenity. For those who want to learn more about spirituality and local traditions in Pakse, Wat Luang is a place worth visiting.
Hike Phou Asa Mountain And Visit Kiet Ngong Village
Panoramic sights over the town and the Mekong plains in the Pakse area can be enjoyed at Phou Asa Mountain. And when you follow the travel book directions, you can climb up the mountains either on foot or in your tuk-tuk, and you can get the best sights, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The tour also takes you through Kiet Ngong Village, which is a local Lao village near the mountains, so you can experience the countryside, far from the tourist zones. When you walk through the paths, ride through the coffee plantations, and climb up the mountains, you get a peaceful and enjoyable respite from the sights.
Shop At The Crowded Dao Heuang Market
The largest and most interesting market in Southern Laos, the Dao Heuang Market in Pakse, is situated only 2 km from the center in the southeastern part of the town, in the vicinity of the Japanese Bridge. This lively and typical Lao market, where you can wander through rows and rows filled with fresh produce, colorful fruits and veggies, river fish, and meat, all arranged in an open-air maze, is the best location in town where you can search and explore textiles, silverware, traditional clothes, and handicrafts.
Street food enthusiasts would have their haven here, since the market’s culinary part offers an array of barbecues, fried delicacies, coffee, and Lao cuisine. There are even some exotic treats you could taste on the spot. The best time to explore the Dao Heuang Market would be in the early morning when the produce would be fresher, and you could avoid the crowd.
Relax At Tad E Tu Waterfall In The Bolaven Region
For those who want to explore beyond the beaten path, visit the Tad E Tu Waterfall, a less-visited waterfall in the Bolaven area near the city of Pakse. The effect of visiting waterfalls like the Tad E Tu Waterfall, and the others in the area, means you get the chance to experience the tropical surroundings and the quiet pools despite the throngs of visitors in other tourist destinations. The quiet pools in the waterfall make it an appropriate location to take a cool swim and unwind.
As the region is somewhat isolated and undeveloped, you can also experience the local lifestyle, and the experience becomes both an adventure and a peaceful retreat. When traveling here, it would be an excellent choice to accompany the visit with a coffee plantation tour and a round trip over the Bolaven Plateau.
Visit Sacred Pakse Chinese Temple
The Pakse Chinese Temple is one of the most colorful cultural attractions in the city and a great place to wander through during your Pakse travel. This typical temple complex stands out because of its red gates, dragons, lanterns, and wood carvings, all testifying to the strong Sino-Lao culture.
Upon entering, you feel like you’re in a peaceful, spiritual environment, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, and people come here and there to make offerings in the hopes of gaining some luck and fortune in their lives. Walking through the complex, admiring the colorful architecture, the mix between mythological artwork and local culture, and the stunning sunset casting warm orange tones on the buildings, making all the different colors pop, is a great experience.
Admire The Golden Buddha (Phou Salao)
Golden Buddha, also called the Phou Salao, stands atop a hill overlooking the Mekong River, making it one of the most famous landmarks in Pakse. Climbing up the hill provides an amazing bird’s-eye perspective on the town and the Japanese Bridge.
In fact, the spot is famous among tourists, and you can see many people enjoying the sunset, when the sky takes on an orange hue, and the Golden Buddha figure appears stunning against the setting sun. While the stairway leading up the hill provides a small exercise, the peaceful environment and the stunning site offered by the spot are an excellent reward and make the experience worthwhile.
Stop By Wat Pha Bat (Wat Phabat)
The Wat Pha Bat is a significant temple in Pakse and quite famous among tourists and natives alike because it has a sacred Buddha footprint, said to possess spiritual powers. While you explore the grounds in the Wat Pha Bat, you will notice the beautifully designed golden features and classic Lao architecture.
Some visitors come here specifically to light incense sticks and witness the Lao people performing their rituals, and learn about their different mannerisms in the Buddhist faith. In fact, it is the peaceful and contemplative nature, despite the fact that it is situated near the town center.
Final Thoughts
Pakse is so much more than a stopover, but rather, a place imbued with natural beauty, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences. From ancient temples and grand waterfalls to serene river views and bustling local life, many things to do in Pakse for every type of traveler. This is a place that allows you to wander around at your leisure, finding the real charm of southern Laos. Ready to plan your perfect Pakse journey? Let Seni World craft your dream itinerary today!
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