Temples & StupasFree
Wat Luang (Pakse)
ວັດຫຼວງ ປາກເຊPakse’s principal temple on the bank of the Sedone River, built in 1935 in traditional Lao style and home to a monastic school for novices.
Pakse · Pakse City4.3 (10)
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
About
Discover Pakse City
Pakse, capital of Champasak province, sits where the Sedone River flows into the Mekong. It is the gateway to southern Laos — by air via Pakse International Airport (PKZ) and overland from Thailand through the Vang Tao–Chong Mek border, only 2–3 hours from Ubon Ratchathani.
City highlights
- Wat Phou Salao — a giant golden Buddha on the west-bank hill, facing the Mekong, with views over Pakse and the Lao–Japanese Friendship Bridge
- Wat Luang (built 1935) on the Sedone riverbank, with its monastic school
- Daoheuang Market, the biggest market in Pakse: sinh textiles, Bolaven coffee, souvenirs and local food
- Prince Boun Oum's palace (today the Champasak Palace Hotel) and the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
- Evening walks on the Mekong riverside, cafés, noodle shops and night food stalls
Getting around by tuk-tuk, jumbo, taxi or rented motorbike — always agree the fare before you board. The centre is compact and walkable, and Pakse is the base for day trips to the Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou and Si Phan Don.
Sample data — please verify before travelling.
Must-see
Highlights of Pakse City
MarketsFree
Daoheuang Market
ຕະຫຼາດດາວເຮືອງPakse’s largest market, packed with local produce, sinh textiles, souvenirs, Bolaven coffee and street food — at its busiest early in the morning.
Pakse · Pakse City4.0 (9)
Temples & StupasFree
Wat Phou Salao
ວັດພູສະລາວA hilltop temple on the west bank of the Mekong, crowned by a giant golden Buddha facing the river — the best viewpoint over Pakse and the Lao–Japanese Friendship Bridge, especially at sunset.
Phonthong · Pakse City4.7 (6)
Entertainment & Nightlife$Free
Pakse Riverside Night Food Market
ຕະຫຼາດອາຫານກາງຄືນ ແຄມຂອງ ປາກເຊEvening food stalls on the Mekong bank — grills, laap, papaya salad and Beerlao as the sun sets behind Phou Salao.
Pakse · Pakse City1 hr 30 min
Shops & Malls$$
Bolaven Coffee Bean Shop (sample)
ຮ້ານເມັດກາເຟ ພູພຽງບໍລະເວນ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)Freshly roasted beans from small Bolaven Plateau farms, ground to suit your brewer and vacuum-packed for the flight home.
From₭ 60,000–250,000≈ $2.79–$12
Pakse · Pakse City30 min
Restaurants$$
Mekong Terrace Lao Restaurant (sample)
ຮ້ານອາຫານລາວ ລະບຽງແມ່ຂອງ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)A Lao restaurant on a wooden deck over the Mekong, known for river fish, fish laap and mok pa — with sunset views.
From₭ 45,000–180,000≈ $2.09–$8.37
Pakse · Pakse City1 hr 30 min
Entertainment & Nightlife$$
Mekong Sunset Cruise (sample)
ລ່ອງເຮືອຊົມຕາເວັນຕົກ ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)A 90-minute wooden-boat cruise from Pakse pier past the Sedone–Mekong confluence and the Lao–Japanese Bridge, with drinks and Lao snacks.
Pakse · Pakse City4.8 (4)
Hotels$$$$
Sedone Riverside Boutique Hotel (sample)
ໂຮງແຮມບູຕິກ ແຄມເຊໂດນ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)A 24-room boutique hotel on the Sedone riverbank, dressed in teak and Lao textiles, with a pool and sunset terrace.
From₭ 1,400,000–2,600,000≈ $65–$121per night
Pakse · Pakse City1 hr
Hotels$$
Airport Garden Hotel (sample)
ໂຮງແຮມ ສວນ ໃກ້ສະໜາມບິນ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)A quiet garden hotel less than 1 km from Pakse Airport — ideal for early flights or late arrivals.
From₭ 400,000–750,000≈ $19–$35per night
Pakse · Pakse City30 min
Guesthouses & Hostels$
Pakse Backpacker Hostel (sample)
ໂຮສເທວ ແບັກແພັກເກີ ປາກເຊ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)A budget hostel in the centre with air-con dorms, private rooms and a notice board full of Bolaven Loop tips.
From₭ 90,000–280,000≈ $4.19–$13per night
Pakse · Pakse City4.5 (2)
Cafés$
Bolaven Bakery & Coffee (sample)
ເບເກີຣີ ແລະ ກາເຟ ບໍລະເວນ (ຕົວຢ່າງ)A bakery baking fresh every morning — croissants, baguettes and coconut cake — with Lao coffee from the Bolaven Plateau.
From₭ 15,000–50,000≈ $0.7–$2.33
Pakse · Pakse City40 min
What's on
Upcoming festivals & events
Oct24
Learning
Bolaven Coffee Cupping Workshop, Pakse 2026
Oct 24, 2026· 09:00
Coffee roastery in central Pakse (sample) · Pakse City
Oct26
FestivalsFares rise
Boun Ok Phansa & Boat Racing, Pakse 2026
Oct 26 – 27, 2026· 06:00
Xe Don riverbank by Wat Luang & the Xe Don bridge, Pakse · Pakse City
Oct26
FestivalsFares rise
Lai Heua Fai Fire-Boat Festival, Pakse Mekong Riverside 2026
Oct 26, 2026· 18:00
Mekong riverside road & embankment, Pakse · Pakse City
Nov15
Sport
Pakse Half Marathon 2026
Nov 15, 2026· 05:30
Mekong riverside road near Wat Luang, Pakse · Pakse City
Getting around
Transport hubs
Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
Airport · ສະໜາມບິນສາກົນປາກເຊ
Pakse Northern Bus Terminal (Lak 7)
Bus station · ສະຖານີຂົນສົ່ງສາຍເໜືອ ປາກເຊ
Pakse Southern Bus Terminal (Lak 8)
Bus station · ສະຖານີຂົນສົ່ງສາຍໃຕ້ ປາກເຊ (ຫຼັກ 8)
VIP bus terminal (Daoheuang market area)
Bus station · ສະຖານີລົດເມ VIP (ເຂດຕະຫຼາດດາວເຮືອງ)
Vang Tao – Chong Mek border (Laos–Thailand)
Border crossing · ດ່ານວັງເຕົ່າ – ຊ່ອງເມັກ
Pakse Mekong boat landing (river cruises, boats to Champasak)
Pier · ທ່າເຮືອແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ປາກເຊ
Pakse airport taxi & tuk-tuk rank (terminal front)
Tuk-tuk stand · ບ່ອນລໍຖ້າແທັກຊີ ສະໜາມບິນປາກເຊ
Daoheuang market tuk-tuk stand
Tuk-tuk stand · ບ່ອນຈອດຕຸກຕຸກ ຕະຫຼາດດາວເຮືອງ
Old market tuk-tuk stand (Sedone bridge)
Tuk-tuk stand · ບ່ອນຈອດຕຸກຕຸກ ຕະຫຼາດເກົ່າ
Riverside tuk-tuk stand (near Wat Luang)
Tuk-tuk stand · ບ່ອນຈອດຕຸກຕຸກ ລຽບແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ
Lao–Japanese Friendship Bridge (Pakse side)
City centre · ຂົວມິດຕະພາບລາວ–ຍີ່ປຸ່ນ
Pakse city centre (riverside / Charoen Sedone)
City centre · ໃຈກາງເມືອງປາກເຊ
Champasak Provincial Hospital
Hospital · ໂຮງໝໍແຂວງຈຳປາສັກ
Pakse police station / tourist police
Police · ປ້ອມຕຳຫຼວດປາກເຊ
Riverside ATMs (BCEL bank)
ATM / exchange · ຕູ້ ATM ລຽບແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ
Fair-price standard
Standard fares in Pakse City
Reference prices set with local operators. Anything above the ceiling is overcharging — show the Driver Card and agree the price before you ride.
Tuk-tuk ຕຸກຕຸກ
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 15,000 + ₭ 5,000 per km Flag fall + per km. Always agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 20,000–30,000per vehicle≈ $0.93–$1.4 | ₭ 40,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 20,000 + ₭ 7,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 30,000–40,000per vehicle≈ $1.4–$1.86 | ₭ 55,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Southern Bus Terminal (Lak 8) → Town centre Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 40,000–60,000per vehicle≈ $1.86–$2.79 | ₭ 80,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Pakse Airport → Town centre (riverside) Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 50,000–80,000per vehicle≈ $2.33–$3.72 | ₭ 100,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Old market tuk-tuk stand (Sedone bridge) → VIP bus terminal (Daoheuang market area) | ₭ 20,000–30,000per vehicle≈ $0.93–$1.4 | ₭ 40,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Northern Bus Terminal (Lak 7) → Town centre Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 40,000–60,000per vehicle≈ $1.86–$2.79 | ₭ 80,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter (in town) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 70,000–90,000per vehicle≈ $3.26–$4.19 | ₭ 120,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter Pakse town + Wat Phou Salao Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 350,000–450,000per vehicle≈ $16–$21 | ₭ 600,000 | Any time |
Jumbo ຈຳໂບ້
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 20,000 + ₭ 6,000 per km Flag fall + per km. Always agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 30,000–45,000per vehicle≈ $1.4–$2.09 | ₭ 60,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 25,000 + ₭ 8,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 40,000–60,000per vehicle≈ $1.86–$2.79 | ₭ 80,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Old market tuk-tuk stand (Sedone bridge) → Lao–Japanese Friendship Bridge (Pakse side) | ₭ 40,000–50,000per vehicle≈ $1.86–$2.33 | ₭ 70,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Pakse Airport → Town centre (riverside) Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 80,000–100,000per vehicle≈ $3.72–$4.65 | ₭ 130,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter (in town) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 90,000–120,000per vehicle≈ $4.19–$5.58 | ₭ 150,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter (about 8 h) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 500,000–650,000per vehicle≈ $23–$30 | ₭ 800,000 | Any time |
Songthaew ສອງແຖວ
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 5,000 + ₭ 1,500 per km Price per person (shared ride, leaves when full). Chartering the whole vehicle costs much more (sample). | ₭ 10,000–15,000per person≈ $0.47–$0.7 | ₭ 20,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 8,000 + ₭ 2,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 15,000–20,000per person≈ $0.7–$0.93 | ₭ 25,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Vang Tao border (Chong Mek) → Pakse centre Price per person (shared ride, leaves when full). Chartering the whole vehicle costs much more (sample). | ₭ 20,000–30,000per person≈ $0.93–$1.4 | ₭ 40,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter Fuel included; entrance and parking fees extra — DEMO sample data. | ₭ 120,000–150,000per vehicle≈ $5.58–$6.98 | ₭ 200,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter (about 8 h) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees extra — DEMO sample data. | ₭ 600,000–800,000per vehicle≈ $28–$37 | ₭ 1,000,000 | Any time |
Taxi ແທັກຊີ
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 25,000 + ₭ 8,000 per km Flag fall + per km. Always agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 40,000–55,000per vehicle≈ $1.86–$2.56 | ₭ 70,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 30,000 + ₭ 10,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 50,000–70,000per vehicle≈ $2.33–$3.26 | ₭ 90,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Pakse Airport → Town centre (riverside) Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 100,000–150,000per vehicle≈ $4.65–$6.98 | ₭ 180,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Pakse airport taxi & tuk-tuk rank (terminal front) → Pakse city centre (riverside / Charoen Sedone) | ₭ 100,000–150,000per vehicle≈ $4.65–$6.98 | ₭ 180,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Vang Tao border (Chong Mek) → Pakse centre Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 300,000–400,000per vehicle≈ $14–$19 | ₭ 500,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Pakse Airport → Town centre (night) Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 130,000–180,000per vehicle≈ $6.05–$8.37 | ₭ 220,000 | Night |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter (in town) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 150,000–200,000per vehicle≈ $6.98–$9.3 | ₭ 250,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter (about 8 h) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 800,000–1,000,000per vehicle≈ $37–$47 | ₭ 1,300,000 | Any time |
Minivan ລົດຕູ້
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 30,000 + ₭ 8,000 per km Flag fall + per km. Always agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 60,000–80,000per vehicle≈ $2.79–$3.72 | ₭ 100,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 40,000 + ₭ 10,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 80,000–100,000per vehicle≈ $3.72–$4.65 | ₭ 130,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Pakse Airport → Town centre (riverside) Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 150,000–200,000per vehicle≈ $6.98–$9.3 | ₭ 250,000 | Any time |
| Fixed route | Vang Tao border (Chong Mek) → Pakse centre Approximate price for the whole vehicle. Agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 400,000–500,000per vehicle≈ $19–$23 | ₭ 600,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter (in town) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 200,000–250,000per vehicle≈ $9.3–$12 | ₭ 320,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter (about 8 h) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees not included. Agree the itinerary and price before departure (sample). | ₭ 1,000,000–1,300,000per vehicle≈ $47–$60 | ₭ 1,700,000 | Any time |
Minibus ລົດມິນິບັດ
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 40,000 + ₭ 9,000 per km Flag fall + per km. Always agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 80,000–110,000per vehicle≈ $3.72–$5.12 | ₭ 140,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 50,000 + ₭ 11,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 100,000–140,000per vehicle≈ $4.65–$6.51 | ₭ 180,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Pakse airport taxi & tuk-tuk rank (terminal front) → Pakse city centre (riverside / Charoen Sedone) | ₭ 200,000–250,000per vehicle≈ $9.3–$12 | ₭ 300,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter Fuel included; entrance and parking fees extra — DEMO sample data. | ₭ 250,000–320,000per vehicle≈ $12–$15 | ₭ 400,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter (about 8 h) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees extra — DEMO sample data. | ₭ 1,500,000–1,900,000per vehicle≈ $70–$88 | ₭ 2,400,000 | Any time |
Motorbike taxi ລົດຈັກຮັບຈ້າງ
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 10,000 + ₭ 3,000 per km Flag fall + per km. Always agree the price before boarding (sample — verify). | ₭ 15,000–20,000per vehicle≈ $0.7–$0.93 | ₭ 30,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 15,000 + ₭ 4,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 20,000–30,000per vehicle≈ $0.93–$1.4 | ₭ 40,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Old market tuk-tuk stand (Sedone bridge) → Pakse Southern Bus Terminal (Lak 8) | ₭ 20,000–30,000per vehicle≈ $0.93–$1.4 | ₭ 40,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly charter Fuel included; entrance and parking fees extra — DEMO sample data. | ₭ 50,000–70,000per vehicle≈ $2.33–$3.26 | ₭ 90,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Day charter (about 8 h) Fuel included; entrance and parking fees extra — DEMO sample data. | ₭ 250,000–300,000per vehicle≈ $12–$14 | ₭ 400,000 | Any time |
Boat ເຮືອ
| Fare type | Route | Fair price | Ceiling | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By distance | ₭ 50,000 + ₭ 15,000 per km Price for the whole boat (split it within your group). Agree times and landing points first; always wear a life jacket (sample). | ₭ 100,000–150,000per vehicle≈ $4.65–$6.98 | ₭ 200,000 | Daytime |
| By distance | ₭ 70,000 + ₭ 20,000 per km Night rate (approx. 20:00–06:00), usually 20–30% above the day rate. Agree the price first (sample). | ₭ 150,000–200,000per vehicle≈ $6.98–$9.3 | ₭ 260,000 | Night |
| Fixed route | Pakse Mekong boat landing (river cruises, boats to Champasak) → Champasak town ferry landing (west bank) | ₭ 1,000,000–1,300,000per vehicle≈ $47–$60 | ₭ 1,600,000 | Any time |
| Hourly hire | Hourly boat charter on the Mekong / Sedone Price for the whole boat (split it within your group). Agree times and landing points first; always wear a life jacket (sample). | ₭ 200,000–300,000per vehicle≈ $9.3–$14 | ₭ 400,000 | Any time |
| Daily hire | Full-day boat Pakse → Champasak (return) Price for the whole boat (split it within your group). Agree times and landing points first; always wear a life jacket (sample). | ₭ 1,200,000–1,600,000per vehicle≈ $56–$74 | ₭ 2,000,000 | Any time |
Ride with confidence
Getting around Pakse City
Calculate the fair price for any trip, or hire a verified driver whose prices are checked against the standard.