- Pakse was founded in 1905 by the French colonial administration as an administrative post for the Champasak Kingdom.
- The city is a major junction for travelers heading to the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) and the Bolaven Plateau.
- It is home to a significant community of Vietnamese and Chinese descent, which historically influenced the city's commercial and architectural character.
- The city sits on the banks of the Mekong, which is one of the most biodiverse river systems in the world.
About Pakse
Pakse serves as the economic and transportation hub of Southern Laos, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. The city features a blend of French colonial architecture and Lao culture, offering a central base for regional exploration. Visitors can observe local heritage at the Art pakse gallery or appreciate the diverse spiritual architecture found at the Chinese Temple. Modern local life is anchored by spaces like Kaison Park (Red Field), which provides insight into the area's social atmosphere.
Highlights of Pakse
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore this site to see the enduring cultural influence of the regional Chinese immigrant community.
Parks
This public space offers a glimpse into the daily recreational life of local residents.
Museums
Visit to view a collection of regional artistic expressions and contemporary local works.
Venues
The stadium serves as the primary venue for significant regional sporting events and provincial gatherings.
Top things to do in Pakse
The 49 highest-rated places in Pakse, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Pha Taem National Park is defined by its dramatic sandstone cliffs overlooking the Mekong River and the border between T...
2
Parks
Tad Gneuang is a prominent twin-stream waterfall located on the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province, Laos. The waterfa...
3
Historical places
Vat Phou is a Khmer Hindu temple complex situated at the base of Phou Kao mountain in Champassak, southern Laos. The sit...
4
Places of interest
Pattaya Noi is a popular freshwater recreation area located on the shores of the Sirindhorn Dam reservoir in Ubon Ratcha...
5
Places of interest
The Two-Color River View Point, locally known as Mae Nam Song Si, is the confluence of the brown-hued Mekong River and t...
6
Parks
Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area is a vast protected forest region in the Bolaven Plateau of Champa...
7
Parks
Kaeng Tana National Park is situated at the confluence of the Mun and Khong Rivers in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The par...
8
Places of interest
Sirindhorn Dam is a major hydroelectric project situated on the Lam Dom Noi River in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand...
9
Places of interest
Sao Chaliang consists of unique, mushroom-shaped sandstone rock formations located in Pha Taem National Park. These geol...
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Parks
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Venues
19
Historical places
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Museums
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Pakse on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Pakse
November to February, as the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
2 days, which allows enough time to visit city attractions and organize onward travel to the Bolaven Plateau or Wat Phou.
Tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transport within the city, while bicycles and motorbikes are commonly rented for local movement.
The area surrounding the Se Don River bridge offers the highest concentration of guesthouses and restaurants within walking distance of local amenities.
Budget-friendly, with low costs for local food, basic accommodation, and regional transportation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 49 curated attractions in and around Pakse, ranked by traveller ratings.
Pha Taem National Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Pakse right now.
The largest category is parks, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vientiane, Savannakhet, Nakhon Phanom.
Explore more of Laos
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.