Laos · 2026 itinerary
Pakse 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Pakse: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A small white stupa on a roundabout at the centre of town. Not much to see up close, but it's the main landmark and a good meeting point.
🕐 Visible 24/7
Free entry💡 Best photographed from a distance. Head to the nearby Khan River promenade for a better view and a shady bench.
Hotels near That Phou Si (Pakse Tower) →A paved walkway along the Xe Don River, lined with benches, trees, and food stalls. Popular for evening strolls and people-watching.
🕐 Open 24/7
Free entry💡 Come just before sunset – vendors start selling grilled corn, fried bananas, and sugarcane juice. It's also a launching point for boat trips to the Don Khong islands (paid).
Hotels near Xe Don Riverfront Promenade →Delta Coffee · ££
ໂຮງແຮມປາກເຊ · ££
Deeper Into Pakse
A sprawling morning market with stalls selling fresh produce, meats, fish, textiles, and local snacks. One of the most authentic markets in southern Laos.
🕐 Daily 5am–noon
💡 Arrive early (6–7am) for the real bustle. Try the grilled riverweed with sesame – a local specialty for 5,000 kip.
A small museum documenting the history and culture of Champasak province, including artefacts from the ancient city of Champasak and the Wat Phou temple complex.
🕐 Mon–Fri 8am–noon, 1pm–4pm; closed weekends
💡 Entry is free, but you need to show a passport or ID. Allow 30–45 minutes. Signage is in Lao and French – use Google Lens for translation.
Sala Champa
Jaidee
Final Favourites & Departure
A large, modern Buddhist temple complex on a hill across the Mekong River. Open pavilions, giant Buddha statues, and sweeping views over Pakse and the river val
💡 Go around 5pm to catch the sunset and avoid the midday heat. The climb up the stairs is steep – take water.
Pakse Cafe
Saigon Cafe
Getting Around Pakse
Walk 200m from airport exit to main road and flag a southbound jumbo. Cheaper than taxi but less convenient with luggage.
Songthaews run a fixed route from airport to central market. Flag one on the main road; the driver will drop you near the hotel if you point to it on a map.
Use this only if arriving by long-distance bus. Get off at the market and walk 5 mins north on Route 13.
Pre-arrange with the hotel for 50,000 kip flat rate; airport touts may quote 80,000+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Pakse?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like That Phou Si (Pakse Tower) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Pakse?
See our full best time to visit Pakse guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Seng Aroun, Sala Champa, Thaluang. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.