Pakse

Ultimate Guide - Best Things To Do

Pakse, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, is the capital and largest city of Champasak province in southern Laos. Pakse, there is not much to see in the city itself except some temples.

The city is used as a base to explore the Bolaven Plateau. There, in addition to coffee plantations, you will go to see one of the most breathtaking waterfalls.

“The day trip by motorbike to visit the waterfalls was my favourite"

Marleen

Author Exploring Club

The Bolaven Plateau, located thirty kilometers from Pakse, is an extraordinary natural area characterized by significant differences in altitude, giving rise to natural plateaus. In this region, various rivers, including the Mekong and Xe Kong Rivers, converge. The combination of substantial elevation changes and the confluence of different rivers creates a series of breathtaking waterfalls.

✅ 10 Best Things To Do

❗Other important things

✈️ How to get there?

🛵How to get around?

🏨 Where to stay?

📅 Best time to visit?

🥘Where to eat?

1. Tad Fane Waterfall

Tad Fane, a beautiful twin waterfall hidden in the Bolaven Plateau in Laos. They are like two curtains of water tumbling down from a very high place, more than 100 metres high! The waterfalls crash into a green canyon, creating a great natural spectacle. Surrounded by many plants, Tad Fane is a peaceful place. You can reach it by walking along beautiful trails.

There are also options to go ziplining over the waterfall for a great view. This costs 35 USD (+8 USD for recording)

📍 Location: Tad Fane Waterfall
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day
💰 Price: 20.000 KIP entrance + 5.000 KIP Parking (No credit cards)

2. Tad Gneuang Waterfall

Located a short distance beyond Tad Fane, the remarkable Tad Yuang Waterfall spans 42 meters. Various viewpoints offer stunning perspectives at the top, middle, and bottom of the falls. A pathway winds around the side, leading to different lookout points, ideal for capturing perfect photographs or simply appreciating the extraordinary natural spectacle. At the waterfall’s summit, well-kept picnic areas attract locals, providing a serene spot to enjoy nature. Whether seeking a photo-worthy moment or a nice swim.

📍 Location: Tad Gneuang Waterfall
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day
💰 Price: 20.000 KIP entrance + 5.000 KIP parking motorbike

3. Tad Champee Waterfall

Tad Champee Waterfall, situated in the landscapes of Laos, is a hidden gem where you can have a good swim. Visitors can explore the area through well-maintained paths, providing access to different vantage points for appreciating the falls. This waterfall is not really popular. There was only 1 couple at the time I visited the place. Not too touristy!

📍 Location: Tad Champee Waterfall
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day
💰 Price: 10.000 KIP entrance + 5.000 KIP parking fee

4. Coffee & Tea plantage

There are a lot of coffee and tea plantations around Pakse, Laos, Nestled amidst the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is renowned for its Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, producing some of the finest beans in Southeast Asia. You can go to the plantations to learn about the process of coffee and drink a coffee. You can combine this with your trip to the waterfalls. A quick stop for some information and a drink! I visited the place tagged below. But there are many others.

📍 Location: Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day 8:00 – 17:30
💰 Price: Vary

5. Visit Temple Wat Luang

Wat Luang, also known as Wat Phabat, is known as a serene shrine of Lao spirituality. Located in the city Pakse With its golden stupa, the temple complex is beautiful and serene. Visitors are welcome to explore the details of this wonder, and watch the daily rituals. Wat Luang serves as a focal point for local ceremonies and festivals. It invites spiritual seekers and culture lovers alike to experience the timeless charm of Lao traditions.

📍 Location: Wat Luang
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day 6:00 – 18:00
💰 Price: Free

6. Wat Phou (temple UNESCO)

UNESCO World Heritage Site Wat Phou is located near Champasak in southern Laos. It is an ancient Khmer temple complex at the foot of Mount Phu Kao. It dates back to the 5th century. As you ascend past monumental structures, you can discover carvings, ancient shrines and breathtaking views of the Mekong River. Wat Phou has acquired much spiritual significance.

📍 Location: Wat Phou
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day 8:00 – 18:00
💰 Price: 50,00 KIP entrance + 10,000 KIP motorbike parking

7. E-TU Waterfall

To get to the waterfall, walk down the long and narrow steps. It is not very popular and feels like a deserted place. It is a particularly beautiful waterfall. Highly recommended for nature lovers.

📍 Location: E-TU Waterfall
⏱️ Opening hours: Every day
💰 Price: Free

✈️ How to get there?

To get to Pakse, there are several options

Airplane

Pakse has a small international airport, just a few kilometers outside the city. There are some regular routes to Vientiane and Bangkok, ensuring a good connectivity for travelers.

Bus

Pakse is easily reached by bus. You can arrive via buses from Vientiane in Laos and even from Da Nang in Vietnam. Or from your previous destinations Thakhek, Vang Vieng or Don Det.

🛵 How to get around?

In the city of Pakse, you can reach a lot by foot. You will probably stay in the city centre and this is compact so everything is a good distance away. If you want to explore surroundings outside the city, it is advisable to rent a scooter or take a tuktuk. The distances are not very far or difficult making it fine to do with a scooter.

Still, it is traffic in another country, so should you not feel comfortable driving yourself, rent a tuktuk. You can ask one of the drivers for a day trip. As a tip, make sure you agree on the price beforehand. So that there are no surprises at the end of the day.

Where to stay?

The best place to stay in Pakse. There are some popular hostel that I will mention below. The best place to stay is in the city centre. It is a small city so everything is easy to reach by foot.