Champasak Travel Guide

Champasak Travel Guide

Overview

champasak_mapChampasak, located in southern Laos, is a destination that invites discovery and adventure. This region, rich in history and culture, offers a unique blend of natural landscapes, ancient temples and traditional villages. Champasak is a real gem for travellers in search of authenticity and sharing.

The Vat Phou temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears witness to the region's past grandeur, with its imposing structures and sculpted bas-reliefs.

The 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) are an enchanting archipelago, bathed by the peaceful waters of the Mekong, where life flows slowly.

The verdant mountainous Bolaven Plateau is renowned for its coffee plantations, majestic waterfalls and picturesque ethnic villages. Finally, the town of Paksé, gateway to the region, offers an opportunity to discover the local culture before venturing into the surrounding wonders.


 

Top Attractions

wat-phu
The Wat Phu World Heritage Area is a major highlight for any traveller in Laos
 
Champasak abounds in natural and cultural treasures, making it a fascinating destination. Among the most remarkable sites are :

Vat Phou temple

An architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Khmer temple bears witness to the region's past grandeur.

The 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
This enchanting archipelago, bathed by the peaceful waters of the Mekong, is home to waterfalls and rapids, where life flows slowly.

Bolaven Plateau

This verdant mountain region is renowned for its coffee plantations, majestic waterfalls and picturesque ethnic villages.
 
pakse Pakse sits at the confluence of the Mekong and the Se Don (Don River)

The town of Paksé

The gateway to the region, this charming city offers an opportunity to discover the local culture before venturing into the surrounding wonders.

See & Do

national-park
Xe Pian is a haven for bird watching and is home to great hornbills, and yellow-cheeked crested gibbons 

Champasak region offers a variety of activities for all tastes.
Nature lovers can get lost in the lush forests of the Bolaven Plateau, cool off in the Tad Fane or Tad Yuang waterfalls, or explore the 4000 Islands by boat. History and culture enthusiasts can visit Vat Phou Temple, one of Laos' most important archaeological sites, or immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of traditional villages. The more adventurous can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or climbing.

Don Daeng, an island in the Mekong, will evoke familiar memories for those who have sailed south. An archetype of a Mekong island, it offers absolute tranquility: with no traffic and easily accessible quiet beaches. In its center, a forest temple houses an ancient brick stupa, supposedly linked to Wat Phu Champasak nearby.

Located on the other side of the Mekong, Uo Moung is presumed to belong to the Wat Phu complex, although its function remains uncertain. Lacking most of its sculptures and lapidary ornaments, transferred to the Wat Phu exhibition center, the site is more attractive to enthusiasts of ancient ruins. However, the prevalent nature, where lush vegetation and green moss carpet every stone, evokes an Indiana Jones-like adventure atmosphere, exploring forgotten ruins. The village of Kiet Ngong, now a flourishing ecotourism hub, is an ideal starting point for excursions and hikes in the Se Pian National Park. The village offers a picturesque sight with working elephants and a herd of buffaloes, creating a unique ambiance. Canoe trips through the marshes (offered from July to March) and elephant rides are the main attractions for travelers.

Looking for souvenirs or eager to interact with Laotian ethnic minorities? Do not miss Ban Nong Beung, a neighboring tahoy village, renowned for its wood craftsmanship. This renowned village produces and sells contemporary creations and cultural objects, such as masks, delicately burnt to achieve their ebony hue.

The Se Pian National Protection Zone is a crucially important protected area. It hosts a rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Asian black bear, gibbon, and Siamese crocodile, as well as a myriad of distinct avian species. Although independent exploration of the park is currently not feasible, multi-day tours or day trips can be organized from Kiet Ngong or Pakse. For a more confidential and adventurous approach to Se Pian, it's possible to head to Attapeu in the east and be guided by one of the three rivers winding through the jungle.

Go Green

Mr. Linh's Adventure offers custom tours to discover Champasak and its surroundings. Our tours are designed for travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and authentic encounters.


Contact us to organize your next adventure!

Heritage

muang-kang
Vat Muang Kang is the oldest active temple active in Champasak
 
On the banks of the Mekong, Wat Muang Kang, the oldest temple in Champasak, is an architectural curiosity. Its library, an unexpected mix of French, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Laotian styles, surpasses in beauty the chapel inspired by Cambodian and Thai influences. Topped with a three-tiered roof and surrounded by pillars, it is sure to surprise you. But the highlight may be the mystical light that, at night, reflects on one of the temple towers to illuminate the sacred mountain of Wat Phu Champasak.

An undisputed gem of the province, the classified site of Wat Phu is a must-visit for any traveler in Laos. Often overshadowed by monumental Angkor, Wat Phu Champasak thrives in a more magnificent natural setting, exuding a mystical, almost spiritual aura. It's easy to understand why, for millennia, local populations have revered this sacred mountain and why UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site in 2001. Organized into six terraces on three levels, the sanctuary occupies the upper level of the complex. Although a secular place of worship, most of the current buildings date back to the 11th century, under the Khmer Empire, thus demonstrating a millennia-old antiquity for some. At the site's entrance, the Wat Phu exhibition hall displays stone works from Wat Phu and the surrounding sites. You then cross an alley lined with barays, small ceremonial basins that are covered with lotus flowers during the rainy season.

Climbing the stairs to the second level reveals an open courtyard. Once crossed, two sandstone pavilions announce galleries where new stairs follow. The galleries house Hindu sculptures depicting Vishnu and Shiva. On the left, beyond the platform, stands the Nandi hall, a witness to the ancient royal road linking Angkor Wat to the site. Before reaching the upper level, it is possible to observe Thai and Laotian devotees making offerings to the dvarapala statue, guardian of the ascent, seeking his blessing before continuing towards the summit sanctuary. Not far away, two similar statues lie half-buried, one standing out as the largest dvarapala still existing within the Angkorian ruins.

The ultimate level reveals the heart of the ruins: Wat Phu. Filled with a myriad of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, the sanctuary opens onto a Shiva lingam, once bathed by water from the sacred source located upstream, carried by sandstone conduits. Exploring the rear and surroundings of the sanctuary reveals a Buddha footprint carved into the mountainside, as well as the famous elephant and crocodile stones. The place also lends itself to contemplating an exceptional panorama of the entire site.

Champasak offers a unique cultural experience: a Chinese shadow theater and a Tuktuk cinema. These initiatives revive the ancestral art of shadows to tell the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana.

Food & Drinks

champasak-cuisine
The classics of Laotian cuisine
 
Champasak's cuisine is a true source of inspiration for travelers, offering incredible diversity and an abundance of fresh, tasty ingredients. Although the region is not known for its exclusive gastronomy, the welcoming tables of the guesthouses allow you to savour the classics of Laotian cuisine, such as Khao niew, a sticky rice at the heart of family meals, festivals and traditional ceremonies.

Koy Pa, half raw fish salad, half ceviche, is a local specialty that will delight lovers of authentic, well-balanced flavours. Often served on special occasions, this dish offers a deep insight into Champasak's culinary traditions.

Som Moo, or fermented sour meat, is also one of the region's finest specialties. Prepared with fresh lean pork, marinated with a blend of spices and fermented for a few days to a week, it develops a slightly sour but delicate flavor, perfectly combining sour, spicy and salty.

Finally, Mok Pa combines fresh fish, often caught in the Mekong, with spices such as lemongrass, chili, garlic and galanga. Carefully marinated, the fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, preserving its freshness and releasing the leaves' aromas.

Directions

Location

Champasak is a province in southwestern Laos, near the borders with Thailand and Cambodia. The town it-self lies some 48 km east of the Laos-Thailand border and about 132 km north of the border with Cambodia.

How to get there

Champasak is easily accessible from Vientiane and Hanoi. Direct flights connect the two capitals to Paksé, the main city in the region. It is also possible to reach Champasak by bus or train. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Champasak is from November to February, during the dry season. The temperatures are pleasant, and the sky is sunny.
Laos Adventure 10 days 9 nights
2 reviews

The 10-day adventure tour through Laos, starting in the ancient city of Luang Prabang and culminating in the serene beauty of Paksé. Discover the mystical allure of Kuang Si Falls and explore the UNESCO-listed temples of Luang Prabang. Traverse the Mekong River on a traditional longboat, immersing yourself in the scenic landscapes and encountering authentic riverside villages. Trek through lush jungles to uncover hidden caves and witness the vibrant culture of ethnic communities. In Vang Vieng, engage in thrilling outdoor activities, from kayaking to hot air ballooning. Your journey concludes in Paksé, where the enchanting Wat Phou and the Four Thousand Islands await, ensuring an unforgettable Laotian odyssey.

Theme: Laos Tours - Offbeat Tour Packages
: Daily
Duration: 10 days 9 nights
Destination: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pakse
Suitable: Travel with friends, All types of travel
Explore Vietnam and Laos 15 days
1 reviews

From the dynamic pace of Vietnam to the laid-back lifestyle of Laos, explore the highlights of two culturally rich and diverse countries. Feel the pulse of Ho Chi Minh City, the charm of Hoi An and see the ancient imperial capital of Hue.You will spare a whole day to immense in the jade green waters of Halong Bay, before flying to the temple city of Luang Prabang, where saffron robed monks walk the streets.

Theme: Multi-Country Tours
: At customer's request
Duration: 15 days 14 nights
Destination: Ba Be National Park - Ben Tre - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ho Chi Minh City - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An - Hue - Luang Prabang
Suitable: Travel with friends
Vietnam - Cambodia - Laos tour 19 days
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Experience a 19-day Highlights Indochina tour that encompasses the very best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Travel south through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, before crossing into Cambodia to discover the majestic Angkor Wat complex and the capital Phnom Penh. The trip ends in magical Laos with stays in laid-back Vientiane and Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of this former French colony.

Theme: Multi-Country Tours
: At customer's request
Duration: 19 days 18 nights
Destination: Ba Be National Park - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Siem Reap - Temples of Angkor - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi - Hoi An - Luang Prabang
Suitable: Travel with friends
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