Sitting at a crossroads in the center of Southeast Asia, the riverside city of Pakse has become a popular transit stop for people traveling between Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia—and for those heading to the misty waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau. If you can look past the bustling traffic of Laos’ third-largest city, then you’ll find a plethora of things to do. You can feast in floating restaurants on the Mekong, soak up scenic views from the Big Buddha at Vat Phou Salao, and marvel at the ancient ruins of Vat Phou.
The best time of year to visit Pakse is during the dry season between November and March. April and May are usually pretty hot, and the scenery is dry and dusty. If you don’t mind the rain, you can visit from June through September—but this isn’t the best time of year for exploring. It isn’t even prime time to see the waterfalls on the nearby Bolaven Plateau, because many of the dirt roads to the falls get washed away by heavy rain and mud.
The best way to get around Pakse is by tuk-tuk or motorbike, although the city center is pedestrian-friendly too. If you’re heading further afield to Vat Phou, Champasak, or the Bolaven Plateau—or even Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam—you can take taxis, buses, hire a car with a driver, or jump on a private or group tour. Around the city, you can also travel in songthaews, colorful pickup trucks that have been converted into public transport. While a great local experience, they can get pretty crowded.
You don’t have to do the full 3-4 day loop to experience the best of the Bolaven Plateau. In fact, it’s easy to take a day trip from Pakse to these lush landscapes, which let you enjoy waterfalls, coffee plantations, and colorful villages while still enjoying the luxuries of city living. Another easy day tour is Vat Phou, an incredible Angkorian-era temple, and Champasak, a charming riverside town that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Champasak.
