Southern Laos · Vat Phou UNESCO site

Pakse, Champasak & the Bolaven Plateau

Khmer temple ruins, coffee farms and a necklace of big waterfalls on the plateau.

Vat Phou
Temples & spiritual01

Vat Phou

ວັດພູ

A pre-Angkorian Khmer temple complex climbing a mountainside near Champasak; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Arrive at opening to climb in the cool
  • Visit the site museum first
  • Stay in Champasak village overnight
Vat Phou Festival (Feb)
Festivals02

Vat Phou Festival (Feb)

ບຸນວັດພູ (ເດືອນກຸມພາ)

Pilgrims gather at the full moon of the third lunar month for three days of ceremony and fair.

  • Book Champasak rooms early
  • Join the candlelit procession
  • Expect crowds and music
Bolaven Plateau waterfalls
Nature03

Bolaven Plateau waterfalls

ນ້ຳຕົກພູພຽງບໍລະເວນ

Tad Fane's twin falls, Tad Yuang, Tad Champee and Tad Lo, all within a day's loop of Pakse.

  • Best from July to November
  • Swim at Tad Champee
  • Ride the small or big Bolaven loop
Paksong coffee farms
Food & drink04

Paksong coffee farms

ສວນກາເຟປາກຊ່ອງ

Lao coffee country: tour family farms growing arabica and robusta on the cool plateau.

  • Visit during harvest (November to February)
  • Taste straight from the roaster
  • Buy beans from the growers
Wat Phou Salao
Temples & spiritual05

Wat Phou Salao

ວັດພູສະເຫຼົາ

A giant golden Buddha on the hill across the Sedone river, overlooking Pakse.

  • Go at sunset
  • Climb the naga staircase
  • Dress modestly
A pirogue on the Mekong at Champasak at golden hour
Off the beaten path06

Don Daeng island

ດອນແດງ

A car-free island in the Mekong opposite Champasak, with sandy shores and rice-village lanes.

  • Cross by small ferry from Champasak
  • Cycle around the island
  • Stay in a village homestay
Dao Heuang market
Markets & local life07

Dao Heuang market

ຕະຫຼາດດາວເຮືອງ

One of the biggest markets in Laos, a maze of produce, coffee, textiles and hardware.

  • Go in the morning
  • Buy Bolaven coffee and tea
  • Keep an eye on your bag

Checked September 2026. Opening hours, prices and boat or train timetables change, so confirm locally before you go. Photo credits

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