Pakse, the capital of Champasak province in Southern Laos
12/04/2019 1.520 Views
Pakse is the capital of Champasak province in Southern Laos. The city was founded by the French in 1905 when Laos was part of French Indochina. Some buildings like the Chinese society building still remain from the colonial era.
Pakse is the capital of Champasak province in Southern Laos. The city was founded by the French in 1905 when Laos was part of French Indochina. Some buildings like the Chinese society building still remain from the colonial era. Today the city is one of the largest of the country and growing quickly. The modern bridge over the Mekong river facilitates trade with Thailand, while the town has become a base for those who want to explore the South of Laos, specifically the Bolaven Plateau and the Si Phan Don area, both known for their natural beauty. Although the area’s main attractions lie outside of Pakse, the town has plenty of sites worth a visit.
Pakse is the capital of Champasak province in Southern Laos
Palace of Prince Boun Oum Na Champasassak
One of Pakse’s most attractive buildings is the former Palace of Prince Boun Oum Na Champasassak, which is now the Champasak Palace Hotel. The building is located in the center of town on Route 13, next to the bridge crossing the Xe Don river.
One of Pakse’s most attractive buildings is the former Palace of Prince Boun Oum Na Champasassak
Champasak Provincial Museum
To learn about local history, visit the Champasak Provincial Museum. On display are artifacts and documents about the history of Champasak province, ancient pottery, inscribed steles as well as sandstone lintels from the ancient Khmer temple Uo Moung. Admission is 5,000 Kip per person. The museum opens daily from 8.30 am until 4 pm with lunch break between 11.30 am and 1 pm.
Buddhist temples
Pakse houses several Buddhist temples worth a visit. The Wat Luang is one of the towns largest and most beautiful temples. The ornate temple dating back to 1935 is decorated with beautiful murals. The sim or congregation hall houses a large golden Buddha image in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” mudra. The Wat Luang houses a Buddhist school and several chedis in various styles. One of them contains the ashes of a former Laos prime minister. The temple is found next to the Xe Don river, on Route 13 to the airport. Another temple worth a visit is the Wat Pha Bat or temple of the Buddha footprint, a large temple on the banks of the Xe Don river, across the street from the Champasak Palace Hotel.
Pakse houses several Buddhist temples worth a visit
Natural attractions around Pakse
About 150 kilometers South of Pakse is Si Phan Don, a beautiful natural area with hundreds of islands in the Mekong river, which is over 10 kilometers wide at this point. Near the Cambodian border are the Khone falls, the largest falls by volume of South East Asia. This area of the Mekong is the home of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. East of Pakse is the Bolaven Plateau, a mountainous and forested area about 45 minutes away by car. The area is known for its great scenery and many waterfalls. The highest falls are Ted Fane. Getting to the 120 meter high twin falls requires a trek through the forest starting near the 38 kilometer marker off Route 16 from Pakse to Paksong. Another waterfall, the Tad Gneuang is found deeper into the forest. Trips can be booked at Pakse travel agents.
About 150 kilometers South of Pakse is Si Phan Don, a beautiful natural area with hundreds of islands in the Mekong river
Ancient Khmer temples
About 40 kilometers South of Pakse are the ruins of Wat Phou, a 10th century Khmer temple. The temple that is built at the foot of a mountain overlooking the plains is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It comprises of a number of barays, two palaces, several small shrines, a processional walkway and a main sanctuary that was dedicated to Shiva. Vat Phou Mekong cruises offers cruises down the Mekong river on a converted ferry boat. Highlights of the 3 days, 2 nights cruise include visits to the ancient Khmer temples of Wat Phu and Uo Moung, the Si Phan Don area and the Khone Phapheng falls.
Ancient Khmer temple
Ban Saphai silk weaving village
Near Pakse is the silk weaving village of Ban Saphai. The village is located on Don Kho, a small island in the Mekong river 15 kilometers upstream from Pakse. Most families that live in traditional Laos style houses on stilts are involved in traditional silk weaving and offer their wares for sale. Trips can be booked at Pakse travel agents.
Ban Saphai silk weaving villag
How to get to Pakse
Pakse is most easily reached by air. The towns airport is located a few kilometers North West of the town, across the Xe Don river. Laos Airlines offers direct flights from several destinations including Bangkok, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Savannakhet. A slower way is to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand by air and overland to Pakse. Thai Airways offers direct flights from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, starting at around 2,200 Thai Baht one way. Nok Air offers multiple direct flights daily, starting at 1,300 Thai Baht one way. The 145 kilometer trip from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse can be made by private taxi or bus. Busses leave twice daily, at 9.30 am and 3.30 pm and arrive at bus station KM2 along Route 13, a little East of Pakse town center. The trip takes around 3 hours and costs 200 Thai Baht. To get from the KM2 bus station to downtown Pakse, take a tuk tuk or samlor at 10,000 Kip per person.
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Champasak was once, 1400 years ago, the centre of power in the lower Mekong basin, later a revered outpost of the Khmer Angkor empire and later still one of the three kingdoms to rule over the remains of Lane Xang. A fine heritage that, according to the last prince of Champassak, was brought to hard times by a former queen's indiscretion.
Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia bordered by China, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
One of the trademarks of Laos is the diversity of its people and cultures. There are a number of traditional arts and crafts that represent their way of life. Lao has a rich cultural heritage with religious art and architecture forming the cornerstone of artistic traditions.
Most of the year is hot and humid. Laos enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from the beginning of May to the end of September, and the dry season is from October through April.
Lao people are frank, open and friendly, and they possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy and respect. Everyone who adheres to the latter will receive a warm welcome.
Buddhism first appeared in Laos during the eighth century A.D., as shown by both the Buddha image and the stone inscription found at Ban Talat near Vientiane, now exhibited at Hor Pra Keo Museum. After the foundation of the unified Kingdom of Lane Xang, King Fa Ngum (14th Century) declared Buddhism as the state religion and urged the people to abandon Animism or other beliefs such as the Cult of Spirits. His policy meant to develop the Lao culture based on a common faith: Theravada Buddhism.
If you’re planning a trip to Laos, determining the best time to visit should be a top priority. You may want to plan your trip for a different time depending on where in Laos you’ll spend the most time, and how you plan to get around.
Laos traces its history to the kingdom of Lan Xang, founded in the 15th century by Fa Ngum, himself descended from a long line of Lao kings, tracking back to Khoun Boulom. Lan-Xang prospered until the 18th century, when the kingdom was divided into three principalities, which eventually came under Siamese suzerainty.
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