Champasak is Laos’s southwestern most province.  The capital of the province is Pakse.  There is also a small town called Champasak on the west bank of the Mekong River, about 40 kilometers from the provincial capital.  The town was once the seat of the great Champasak Empire, an independent and prosperous Lao kingdom that broke away from the Lan Xang Empire.

As well as being the capital, Pakse is also the province’s biggest town and a hub for further travel to Southern Laos, such as Wat Phou, the Boloven Plateau, Khone Phapeng Falls and Siphandon (4,000 Islands).  There is also bridge built over the Mekong River that connects Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand.

One of the things the province is renowned for is its collection of Khmer ruins known as Champasak Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Wat Phou, a 12th century Hindu monastery is one of the temples at the site.  It is still used by practicing Buddhists today.

The Boloven Plateau is famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations.  Many come here for a relaxing time sipping coffee and admiring the natural beauty of the area.  There are also many ethnic hilltribes living in the area, giving visitors numerous opportunities to interact with then and learn about their traditional way of life.

Khone Phapeng Falls is certainly one of Laos’ greatest natural attractions and is one of Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls in terms of volume.  From 21 meters up, the rapids form from three cataracts and deposit its water into one powerful torrent.  The pool features numerous islets, outcrops and bedrocks.  This is certainly a great place for a refreshing swim or for a relaxing picnic.

Siphandon, also known as 4,000 Islands is a great place for travelers looking for tranquility and peace.  There are almost no paved roads and the site of palm trees, rice paddies and water buffaloes make up the day.  Many also come here for nature hikes and for the chance of spotting the rare and elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Champasak (town) today is a very small rural town that mainly caters to those planning to visit Wat Phou, which is approximately 10 kilometers away.  It does have a rich history as it was the seat of the Champasak Kingdom.  The kingdom prospered for 233 years (1713-1946) until it was reduced to a vassal state by the Siamese Kingdom and was finally abolished when it was absorbed into the Kingdom of Laos in 1946.

Champasak certainly lives up to Laos’ reputation as a relaxed and laid back destination containing numerous natural and cultural attractions.  Experience this laid-back province with Exotissimo’s A Blend of Calm in Southern Laos tour as waterfalls, temple ruins and serene countryside beauty awaits you on this five day tour of the region.  Calm and laid-back will certainly take on new meaning at the conclusion of this program.  If you are looking for other travel options into this beautiful country, then please visit our suggested Laos tour page.