Champasack Province - Pakse

Located: Southern of Laos.
Total area: 15,415 square kilometers.
Population: 600,000.
10 Districts: Pakse, Sanasomboun, Bachaingchaleunsouk, Pasxong, Pathoumphone, Phonthong, Champasack, Sukhuma, Mounlapamok and Khong.
Capital: Pakse.

Champasack lies to the Southwest in Laos. The capital city is Pakse, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedon rivers. Southeast Asia's biggest waterfall, Khone Pha Pheng, is within easy reach by boat or by road.

This is one of the main political and economic centers of Lao P.D.R. The people of Champasack Province settle along the bank of Kong Se Done river.

In this province you will find ancient temples which were influenced from the Angkor people who settled in Cambodia.

There are many different minorities in Champasack whom have their own language, culture and lifestyles.

The distance from Vientiane to Pakse, the provincial capital of Champasack is 610 kilometers by Route 13 (south) via the provinces of Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet and Salavan.

Vatphou Champasack
The Vat Phou temple complex is one of Southeast Asia's best examples of both early and classic Khmer architecture dating from the 7th to 12th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the ancient city of Shestrapura and many little known but interesting archeological sites along the banks of the Mekong River . There are also many fine examples of traditional Lao homes and buildings from the colonial period. If you are in Champasack during February, don't miss the Vat Phou Festival.
Mekong Island & Irrrawawddy Dolphins

South of Khong Island (the largest in Laos ) are the four Thousand Islands, or Si Phan Don in Lao. This area of extraordinary beauty is known for its fine food-especially fish dishes-distinct temple architecture and warm hospitality. On Don Det and Don Khon, remnants of an early 20th century railway and steamship port can be visited. At the Lao-Cambodia border local boats can be hired to observe the endangered freshwater dolphins that inhabit this section of the Mekong.

Xe Pian NBCA
The 2.400 sq km Xe Pian National Biodiversity Conservation Area is one of the most biologically important and diverse protected areas in the country. Home to 51 key species of birds including the Giant Ibis and Sarus Crane, as well as 36 species of mammals, Xe Pian is one of the province's premier ecotourism destinations. Kiet Ngong Village is the jump off point for nature walks, bird watching, trekking, elephant rides and day trips to the Phou Asa archaeological site.

Mekong Falls-Li Phi & Khone Phapheng
By volume the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, thundering Khone Phapheng is one of the most inspiring and popular attractions in the province. Among the waterfall's many channels and rocky outcrops visitors can see local people using traditional fishing techniques. Li Phi, just north of Khone Phapheng, is another amazing natural site that is best seen during the months of December-March when the cascade's clear waters are tinted emerald green. Food and beverage facilities are available at both sites.