Wondering what things to do in Pakse? Visitors may have visited Pakse – the capital of Champasak Province and Southern Laos many times, but each time there is a new feel for this charming land due to a variety of reasons, but first of all is the specially favourable geographic location of this place. From Vientiane to Pakse about 700 km, traveling by plane takes more than 1 hour, while driving along Road 13, with a speed of 100 km/hour takes about a day. From Pakse, if tourists want to go to the necessary points such as Bolaven Plateau, Attapeu Province, Gia Lai, Kon Tum (Vietnam) or want to go to Cambodia, just 40 km further to the border.
1) Getting around Dao Heuang Market
Presently, Dao Heuang market is regarded as the largest wholesale market in Southern Laos. This is also one of the images that portray a hard-working, conscientious and friendly Vietnamese working people in Laos.
Dao Heuang market sells all kinds of goods, in which the famous food is visited by many visitors with two specialties of Champasak province are dried beef and glutinous rice. Most of the visitors coming to Dao Heuang market are buying some kilograms of Pakse dried beef and a bag of sticky rice from 5 to 10 kg. Pakse dried beef is made from pure beef, marinated in local spices, dried in pieces or round bars, cost about 450-500 thousand VND for 1 kg.
At Dao Heuang market, buyers can pay in kip or Vietnamese currency or US dollars, the seller will quickly turn to the exchange rate. Apart from dried beef and glutinous rice, the specialty of Dao Heuang market is also dried fish made from many types of diversified Mekong river fish.
(Source: internet)
2) Enjoying Dok Champa Massage
Dok Champa is one of the most popular spas in Pakse. Traditional massage in Laos with a sauna is the best therapy to soothe your body after a long jungle journey or exploring on foot. Mixtures of herbs (or teas) in the sauna are key to the success of this therapy.
(Source: internet)
3) Champasak Palace Hotel
Champasak Palace Hotel is located in Pakse District and is 15-minute walk from the city center. Champasak Palace Hotel is just 3 km from Pakse International Airport. This hotel was the anterior dwelling of Chao Boun Oum – the Champasak Prince. After that, the Prince needed to relinquish in 1974. Then the Royal Lao government accomplished and after drastic changes; the building has become the destination for visiting celebrities and congresses. In 1955, this palace was adapted to become a high-end hotel serving tourists from many countries in the world.
(Source: Internet)
4) Visiting Wat Luang Temple
Wat Luang temple is an old temple inaugurated in 1935. This temple located on the Sedon River banks. It is famous for ancient buildings with imaginary embellishment. Wat Luang temple, which is a serene and tranquil temple may be one of the most appealing destinations for tourists to come.
5) Admiring Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
The Champasak Heritage Museum Heritage in Pakse provides insight into the history of Laos as well as its cultural and artistic heritage. At Wat Amath temple, you can see the treasures dating back to the Stone Age – a period of history. This museum has few artifacts, but various old documents, three Dong Son bronze drums, which are made from sandstone, woven and jewelry collections including items such as iron earrings, ivory earrings, musical instruments and a Thai stele (from the 15th to the 18th century), water jar from the 11th or 12th century, Shiva spit, a model of Wat Phu Champasak, and American weapons.
6) Going sightseeing at the Golden Buddha
If you want to visit the Golden Buddha, just hire a tuk tuk to the Lao-Japanese Friendship bridge or climb to the temple. When visiting the Golden Buddha, you can admire the sunset because this statue is overlooking the Pakse city.
(Source: internet)
7) Coming to Friendship Mall
The Tangchaleun Group began building Friendship Mall in 2014; and this complex has an area of about two hectares. The Friendship Mall includes three floors, this place is your ideal destination for you to buy delicious street food. Furthermore, this mall also consists of several stores; a movie theater and a supermarket.
8) Taking part in a cooking class at Xuanmai Garden Resort
If you really have a passion for food, and want to prepare your own typical dishes of Laos; then come to the cooking class at Xuanmai Garden Resort. All cooking classes will usually limit the number of participants. The menu is constantly changing, and using the freshest ingredients. And a really crucial thing is that, the price of these classes is also extremely reasonable.
9) Watching sunset from rooftop
If you love romance; certainly you will not be able to overlook this great experience. It would be nice to just sit on the top floor, watch the sunset and have a good dinner, or sip a cup of coffee.
If you have gone through grueling trips and need rest, or simply take a few moments of deep thought; please do not miss to try this experience.
Explore more attractions: Golden Buddha (Phu Salao); Li Phi falls; Si Phan Don (4000 Islands); Wat Luang; Champasak Historical Heritage museum; Bolaven Plateau; Wat Phou;
