Pakse
PAKSE is the capital and most populous city of the southern Laotian province of Champasak making it the second most populous city in Laos. Champasak Province is bordered by Salavan Province to the north, Sekong Province to the northeast, Attapeu Province to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. The Mekong River forms part of the border with neighboring Thailand and contains Si Phan Don (4000 Islands') in the south of the province, on the border with Cambodia. Champasak has played a central role in the history of Siam and Laos, with frequent battles taking place in and around Champasak. Its cultural heritage includes ancient temple ruins and French colonial architecture. Champasak has some 20 wats (temples) and the province's many waterfalls are tourist attractions. The city of Pakse is located where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet and has a population of about 88000. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Champasak until it was unified with the rest of Laos in 1946. The city's past is reflected in its French colonial architecture, especially in the old quarter near Xe Don River. There isn’t much to do in the city other than wander around, see a few temples, and enjoy some peace and quiet. But Pakse serving as a major transport and commerce hub for southern Laos, for example if you plan to go to the Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou, Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), the Xe Pian National Protected Area or Lao Ngam and Tadlo in neighboring Salavan province. Pakse is a small, quiet city and an ideal base with its relaxing atmosphere on the Mekong and Xe Don River, friendly locals, as well as many riverside restaurants and bars.
HISTORY. From the 1st to 9th centuries, Champasak Province was part of the Funan and then Chenla Kingdoms. Between the 10th and 13th centuries it was part of the Khmer Empire. In 1354, the area came under the control of King Fa Ngum and the Lan Xang Empire. The Angkor empire went into decline between the 15th and 17th centuries when it was annexed by Lan Xang. In 1707, Champasak became one of three kingdoms arising from a dissolved Lan Xang Empire. In 1829 Siam annexes Champasak following the Chao Anouvong Rebellion. Pakse, the capital of the province, was established by the French in 1905 as an administrative outpost at the confluence of Xe Don and the Mekong. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Champasak until 1946 when the Kingdom of Laos was formed. During the Franco-Thai War the French ceded Preah Vihear Province from Cambodia and the cis-Mekong part of Champasak Province opposite Pakse from Laos to Thailand. The city served as the primary seat and residence to Prince Boun Oum Na Champasak, an important figure in the Laotian Civil War. He built Champasak Palace, but fled in 1974 before it was completed. In 1975, the town fell to Pathet Lao forces. Since 1975, Pakse has become an economic power and of regional importance. The construction of a bridge over the Mekong, built with Japanese aid, allowing road traffic with Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, has further integrated the city with neighboring countries.
GETTING THERE. Pakse International Airport is 8 kilometers north of town and Lao Airlines offers scheduled flights from/to Vientiane, Savannakhet, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Pakse is on National Road 13, the main transportation highway of Laos. It has bridges over the Xe Don River and Mekong River. Pakse is the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau, as well as to the southern provinces of Salavan, Sedong and Attapeu. Buses need 11-12 hours for the 670 km ride from Vientiane to Pakse or v. v. Kriang Kai Bus Terminal in Pakse is the arrival and departure point for the international bus from/to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand. The ride takes about 3 hours.
ATTRACTIONS. Its central Wat Luang is a lavishly decorated Buddhist temple where monks collect alms at sunrise. The Champasak Historical Heritage Museum explores the region's culture through jewelry, textile and musical instrument displays. The city's past is reflected in its French colonial architecture, especially in the old quarter near Xe Don River. Big Buddha (Phou Salaov) was built across the river, adjacent to the Japanese bridge. More than a few steps to the top, a great view of the river and city. Mouth of the Xe Don River meeting the Mekong is a nice place to see the sunset, with nearby restaurants and cafes. Pakse is the gateway for one day tours in Champasak Province. The unique layout of a Khmer architecture found at Vat Phou gained it the UNESCO World Heritage label in 2001 and makes it one of the highlights of any visits to the Southern Laos. Tad Fane Waterfall is located within the Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area. Two rivers converge here to form the impressive 120 meters high waterfall. Local people often refer to Khone Pha Pheng Waterfall as the jewel of the pearl of the Mekong River, as it is the Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall. Millions of litters of water descend over a set of cascades making it one of the most spectacular sites in Southern Laos. Spreading across parts of all four southern provinces, the fertile Bolaven Plateau is famous for its cool climate, dramatic waterfalls and high-grade coffee. The Tad Lo Waterfalls that are a common destination. The lush vegetation that surrounds the waterfall makes it a desired destination though the fall itself drops only a few meters. Tourist attractions also include the villages of ethnic minorities who have grown accustomed to sharing their culture with visitors to the region. Alak, Katu and Suay villages can be found here within a few kilometers. The Bolaven Plateau is filled with cultural and geographical areas of interest. Whether it is a boat trip to one of the waterfalls that occupy the region, a tour of the area's coffee plantations, an elephant day trek, or visiting one of the villages of the ethnic minorities, a journey to the Plateau has many opportunities for tourists.
