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.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
That Phou Si (Pakse Tower)

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) →
Afternoon
Xe Don Riverfront Promenade

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 →
Evening
Where to eat

Delta Coffee · ££

ໂຮງແຮມປາກເຊ · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Pakse

Morning
Pakse Market (Talat Dao Heuang / Fresh Market)

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.

Midday
Champasak Provincial Museum

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.

Evening
Dining tonight

Sala Champa

Jaidee

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Wat Phou Salao

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.

Final meal

Pakse Cafe

Saigon Cafe

Getting Around Pakse

Jumbo (shared tuk-tuk) From 10000 LAK 20 min

Walk 200m from airport exit to main road and flag a southbound jumbo. Cheaper than taxi but less convenient with luggage.

Local songthaew (pickup truck bus) From 15000 LAK 25 min

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.

Southern Bus Terminal to city center minibus From 5000 LAK 10 min

Use this only if arriving by long-distance bus. Get off at the market and walk 5 mins north on Route 13.

Pakse Airport Taxi From 50000 LAK 15 min

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.