As the gateway to southern Laos and a provincial capital, Pakse is typical of southern settlements with one or two wonderful if slightly tired old colonial buildings.

Much like southern Laos itself, Pakse is characterised by a feeling that time has taken a detour and passed it by.

The town is small and compact making it easy to explore by foot, and with an afternoon in town you should head to the river to watch sunset over the Mekong.

Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province and sits at the confluence of the Mekong and the Se Don (Don River).

It’s a relatively lively town with lots of accommodation and eating options, as well as transport connections, and many travelers base themselves here for forays to surrounding attractions such as the Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phu Champasak.

There is more to see in the city apart from the French colonial buildings. If you are up for a little adventure, head west and climb up the stairs of the Phu Salao Mountain, where the sacred Golden Buddha lies along with a beautiful gilded temple. Treat yourself to the amazing panoramic view of the Mekong Bridge and the city whilst reveling in the fresh air at the top.

The many good restaurants, stylish hotels and clued-in tour companies make it a comfortable and convenient spot.

Paksong is a sleepy town at an elevation of 1300m in the Champasak province on the Bolaven Plateau.

The Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is famous for its great scenery, ethnic villages, and traditional coffee farms. It also has some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular waterfalls, including Tad Fane (Paksong), Tad Tayicseua (Paksong), and Tad Champee (between Pakse and Paksong).

The Bolaven Plateau is an elevated area located in the South of the Champasak province.

Journey through the mountains and lush forests to view some of the best landscapes, made out of towering mountains and graceful waterfalls. With its fertile soil, and ideal climate, it is home to some of the best coffee you would ever taste, so remember to sample some!

Pay a visit to the coffee plantations

Coffee Capital of Laos.

Paksong also famously known as Bolaven Plateau is the Coffee Capital of Laos, here you will find endless coffee plantations and it’s a coffee lover’s haven. They say once you have tried the coffee variety in Paksong, you can’t go back.

The town has developed through the growth and trading of its coffee. It possesses the ideal soil conditions, climate, and is located at a high altitude, which result in the plantation of one of the best coffees in the world. Do not hesitate to visit the town and grab yourself some top-notch tasting coffee!

Pick up a Durian

Unknown even to Laotians. Paksong produces some of the best durians in the region known only for its coffee. Durian is the latest experiment by locals before the Japanese brought in strawberry. Now Paksong Durians are one of the must-try experiences for anyone going there.

Have a coffee 200 m high over Tad Fane

Since the province carry some of the best-tasting coffee in the world, why not add a thrilling factor to it? Chat over coffee with your partner 200m up in the air, over the spectacular cascading waterfalls of Tad Fane, surrounded by nature. Watch the twin waterfalls as water spill over the steep cliffs, flowing down endlessly. An experience made for coffee and zipline lovers.

Visit the widest waterfall in Southeast Asia

Chasing waterfalls in Southeast Asia? You are in luck as the region hosts some of the most amazing waterfalls.

In fact, the widest waterfall in the region is located right here in Champassak. The Khone Phapheng Waterfall is crowned to be the largest waterfall by volume. Soak in the sight of the foamy, tremendously rapid waterfall, as you feel the cool breeze on your skin.

The Champee and Pak Koot rivers flow off the plateau and come together here to create the Tad Fane Waterfall, which falls an impressive 120 meters. The real beauty of this waterfall stems from its two branches of water, which divide as they spill over the steep cliffs. A seemingly endless flow of water is created and, if windy, the mist sprays create spectacular rainbows. Visitors can sit and enjoy the view from nearby resorts, or go on guided treks around the coffee plantations and forests.

Where to Stay

Pakse Hotel

Pakse Hotel & Restaurantis definitely your ideal pick if you wish to explore the beautiful country in a hassle-free manner. The hotel is situated right in the centre of Pakse and just 3 kilometres away from Pakse International Airport. The hotel is nestled in close proximity to the beautiful Mekong River, Wat Phu Temple, Wat Luang and other attractions of Laos. By road, the hotel is approximately 45 kilometres from the border of Thailand.

Pakse Hotel & Restaurant is housed in a historical building dating back to 1962, giving it a colonial feel – the hotel has been renovated to modern standards in 2003, and is now locally run under European Management. The hosts are amiable and caring, and represent a blend of the French Indo-china spirit by offering a mix of local cultural heritage and modernity.

For a fantastic meal accompanied by an amazing, 360° view of Pakse, Le Panorama is where you can have the liquor of your choice and cherish a romantic candlelight dinner overlooking the city lights.

Sabidee Valley Resort Paksong

Enjoying a natural surrounding on the Bolaven Plateau, Sabaidee Valley is just a 10-minute drive from the Tad Fane Waterfall and features a restaurant, a coffee shop and spacious villas with balconys.

26 Villas and 32 Rooms on top of the hill spacious tropical-styled room overlooking the terrace and the mountains in the beautiful Bolaven Plateau, Paksong Champasak, Laos. Every villa and room fully equipped with amenities for an exhilarating and exciting break away.

Leave the congestion of the city behind and enter the fresh green realm of Bolaven Plateau, Champasack district, Lao’s world-famous highland were nature reigns supreme. In sight of evergreen hills and grasslands, Sabaidee Valley welcomes you to experience a natural escape in the way of your choosing… a refreshingly innovative choice.