City: Champasak Province
Top Things to do in Champasak Province
What to do and see in Champasak Province, Laos: The Best Things to do
Champasak (or Champassak, Champasack – Lao: ຈຳປາສັກ [càmpàːsák]) is a province in southwestern Laos, near the borders with Thailand and Cambodia. It is one of the three principalities that succeeded the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. As of the 2015 census, it had a population of 694,023. The capital is Pakse, but it takes its name from Champasak, the former capital of the Kingdom of Champasak.
Restaurants in Champasak Province
1. Vat Phou complex Temple - World Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Khmer temple complex dates back to the 10th-14th centuries and offers magnificent views.
Reviewed By stefanblank
It is like Angkor in Cambodia but not so crowded. It is much smaller, but its got a nice atmosphere and a lot to see. An electric shuttle bus brings you to the old buildings. There is a holy spring and a little temple at the top. From there you have a really good view over the whole landscape. Don’t miss the museum, it‘s worth a visit.
2. Wat Phu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 802 reviews
The religious complex of Vat Phou, a combination of Khmer architecture and Hindu religion, is located at the foot of Champasak mountains, with the Phou Kao (the sacred mountain with a natural form as a Linga - symbol of Gof Shiva). This complex was built during the first part of the 11th century, with some additions and reconstructions in the 12th and 13th centuries. Some inscriptions belonging to the fifth and sixth century AD do mention a sanctuary built on the hill, together with the foundation of the city, but this building has disappeared and was replaced by the religious complex that we see today. A museum and interpretative room should be visited on the site. Vat Phou is on the list of Unesco World Heritage since 2001. The archeological restauration/conservation of the site is managed by Vat Phou office. The tourism management is managed by Yingchokchai Company, which provides to the tourists quality services (shuttle, toilets, handicrafts shop, coffee shop, wifi, parking...).
Reviewed By arnaud_x95 - Brussels, Belgium
If you visited Angkor before Vat Phu, you will certainly be a little disappointed. Nevertheless, the surroundings of the temple are beautiful and the site is much less touristic than Angkor. Go there early in the morning: you will avoid the crowds and take benefit of cooler temperatures to visit the temple. A must do in Laos!
3. Golden Buddha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By Itsmorning - Manchester, United Kingdom
There is not a lot to do or see in Pakse town but a must do is the golden Buddha. Great views of Pakse and the Mekong. I drove up but if you are feeling energetic you can flex your muscles and walk up the steps. You also get to cross the Mekong
4. Tad Yuang Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Also spelled Tad Gneuang, this is a 40m high, truely picturesque waterfall surrounded by beautiful nature. Be careful when walking down to the pool of water, the steps are slippery. At the entrance to the falls (signposted well on road 16E at Km 40) you'll find food and drink stalls and a restaurant.
Reviewed By travelwithoutmercy
Even in the dry season this is well worth a visit as the falls are still worth seeing. Go and enjoy !
5. Bolaven Plateau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By mariana1158 - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
For me this has been so far my best experience in North Laos! The full view of the waterfall for now can only be viewed using the 'Fly Tadfane Zip Line! When we got here we couldn't see the loop. But the Zip Line is $40 per person but the experience is worth it and more! There are 4 zip line sections before you get back and there are some steps towards the last two zip lines, get ready it is steep and no walking sticks nor barriers to hold on to! Also there is a part where you have a wooden ladder get ready for those as well. Precautions - Take some gloves for the zip line. - Wear comfortable hiking shoes or trainers. - Wear comfortable clothese may be not too open. - Most of the staff here are not so fluent in English but they are very experienced and you will feel safe. - First timers pay $40 but if you want to do it again its half price. - If you fear heights and not fit, please don't do this. But I highly recommend this especially for the whole experience of seeing the waterfall!
6. Phou Asa Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By 369ricardar
After being directed on the right path by an English speaking farmer, I walked the 3 km to the top of Phou Asa, from where one has good views of the wetlands, and one can wonder about the many stone towers surrounding the top. Mysterious!
7. Wat Luang Temple
8. Chomphet Stone Sculpture Village and Temple Complex
9. Daoheuang Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By MSander - Tallinn, Estonia
There is not much to do in Pakse and the market gives you an hour or two to be explored. It's really huge , bustling and as local as it can get. You can buy anything from fruit and live ducks to fake gucci'es etc I love the food courts in Asian markets and this one was really exceptional with its wide choice. I chose it over my 4* hotel breakfast both mornings and couldn't have been happier.
10. Tad Fane
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 69 reviews
The impressive twin 120m waterfalls are located in the Dong Hua Sao National Park on the Bolaven Plateau. Many stop at the nearby Tad Fane resort to take photos and enjoy the view, but there are also treks available in the area that will bring you closer to the falls. Turn off the Road 16e at Km 38 from Pakse in the direction to Paksong.
Reviewed By peekaboo19
We shared a tuk tuk with someone to visit some of the Bolaven plateau from Miss Noys bike shop. This was the highest of the 3 waterfalls we visited and it really is a sight to behold. We actually zip lined over the top of it for about 35 euro which was well worth it. The height is 230 metres and the length of zipline is 470 metres. Places for food and toilets close by also. Would definitely go back.
