The mighty Mekong River winds its way through Pakse so there are many options for a scenic boat ride along the river. The city can be reached via the river from Vientiane or Thakhek via a picturesque slow boat or speedboat ride. 

Renting a car when visiting Pakse is not really necessary with the amount of transportation options available at the airport and in the city. It’s easy to get around by public transport. It is possible to rent a car at the airport and some locations in town if you choose to travel to other areas or cities in the region. It is also possible to hire a private car and driver for the day. 

There are some taxis available in Pakse, but the most common and popular are tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and songthaews. You can find or order a taxi from the airport, and your hotel can order a taxi from a local reputable taxi company. 

Walking around the city is one of the best ways to explore the main restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, and entertainment. Many things are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to get around on foot. Walking along the river is nice and scenic, and many things are located along the riverfront. 

Pakse is a popular cycling destination. Renting a bicycle in town and riding around the charming city and its surroundings is a great way to explore. There are some excellent cycling experiences in and around town with charming villages and scenic countryside. The terrain is mostly flat, so riding a bicycle around is pretty easy, and there are many scenic viewpoints and roadside markets along the way. There are several rental places in town, as well as many accommodations that have bicycles on site to offer or rent. 

Pakse is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common, with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town.

There are some wonderful shopping experiences to enjoy in Pakse, including bustling, vibrant markets. Shopping in Pakse is a great way to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs and finds. The Champasak Plaza Shopping Center is conveniently located in the heart of the city, a one-stop shop with stalls brimming with souvenirs, silk, electronics, products, clothes, and handicrafts. The market offers plenty of great food at the food market, and theres also free concerts and performances held occasionally. The Dao Hueng Market is near the Lao-Japanese bridge and offers shoppers an interesting glimpse into the life of Paske’s locals, especially in the bustling food section. It is a treasure trove of culinary delights, so be sure to come hungry. There are rows of food stalls with plenty of delicious street food, snacks, and delicacies. The Pakse Morning Market offers an early morning dose of local charm in the heart of the city with several colorful stalls selling an abundance of fresh, local produce and food. There are more stalls selling clothing, handcrafted souvenirs, and jewelry. 

The official language spoken in Pakse is Laotian; however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Lao guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10. 

Pakse features a tropical savanna climate with warm temperatures throughout the year and two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season is from April to October, and the dry season is from November to March, with the tropical monsoon season occurring in March and April. For the best experience, visit Pakse between November and February, which is the dry season. This time of year, visitors can enjoy mild, pleasant weather with sunshine, lower temperatures, and humidity perfect for exploring outside attractions. The dry season brings clear skies with less rainfall, allowing for more time to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and attractions. The dry season also coincides with peak tourist season, so it will be busier with higher prices, and sights will have more visitors during this time of year. The shoulder season of October or March is are good month to consider visiting Pakse there may be an occasional rain storm, but there are fewer crowds and better travel deals. The waterfalls in the area are the most impressive during this time. 

The currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). US dollars are also widely accepted in most major cities. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Nepalese rupees upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

Pakse boasts a good selection of restaurants in town and offers some excellent food; it is a foodie’s paradise. There are options to dine on a delicious array of local Laotian cuisine alongside a variety of other international cuisines, including European, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Western, and Vietnamese. The restaurants in Pakse are found in four main areas of town. There are many restaurants dotted along the river banks of the Xe Don River, many of which are floating eateries that overlook the temples. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the streets of the town center. The main tourist area along 13 Road between the western bridge and the first roundabout is another popular dining destination along the Mekong Riverbanks. There are a lot of food stalls and hotels with restaurants centered around the Champasak Shopping Center Market and the Pakse Hotel.  Lao dishes are made with a mixture of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and unique regional specialties. Staple ingredients may include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mint, fish sauce, tamarind, and chili peppers to name a few. Some classic Lao dishes include Laap (minced meat salad), Khao Piak Sen (rice noodle soup), Khao Niaw (sticky rice), Mok Pa (steamed fish), Sai Oua (Lao sausages), Luang Prabang salad with a zesty dressing, Jaew a dipping sauce, and more adventurous options like rat stock based Khao Soi Soup, which is a local specialty. A few popular dishes to be sure to try include Khao Niaw (sticky rice), often served with grilled meats, fish, salads, or omelets.

Pakse’s nightlife is pretty laidback, offering a selection of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs dotted around town and along the riverbanks. There are some great opportunities to soak in a spectacular sunset from one of the many bars that line the Mekong River banks. Many high-end hotels boast some stunning rooftop or pool bars with great views as well. There’s a good selection of rustic bars in Pakse, with a few offering live music and entertainment for the evening, theres a great laid-back vibe. There are some lively nightclubs that play the latest hits and offer dancing in a lively atmosphere. 

In the event of an emergency, dial 1191 for police, and 1195 for an ambulance

Hospital:

Champasak Provincial Hospital tel. 856-31-212-018.