Upcoming Event
04 Feb 2012 - 06 Feb 2012
The Wat Phou festival attracts thousands of visitors every year to this magical UNESCO World Heritage site which dates back to the 6th Century.
Welcome to Champasak!
Bordered by Cambodia and Thailand, the southern Laos province of Champasak is well-known for its spectacular collection of Khmer ruins including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, the amazing Four Thousand Islands with fresh water dolphins and the largest waterfalls in SE Asia, as well as growing some of the best coffee in the world. But there is much much more to discover. Throughout the province locals still live in rustic thatched huts and the old agricultural practices and the traditional way of life still exists. For visitors to experience this culturally rich region of Laos there are numerous Champasak hotels, lodges and guesthouses.
The charming atmosphere and traditional Laos hospitality of Champasak province leads many travellers to linger longer and extend their Champasal travel further than planned!
The Mekong River running through Laos acts as one of its avenues for transportation and Champasak travel and also nurtures the vast rice fields. Champasak is the largest rice basket of this ancient country. Near Champasak you will come across several Mon-Khmer ethnic groups such as the Laven who still live in traditional ways. Observing how the locals live is one of the highlights of a trip to Champasak.
Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province is the biggest city in South Laos. It is situated at the meeting point of the Se Don and Mekong rivers and is famous for its hand-woven cottons and silks. The capital is a convenient take-off point for the nearby Champasak travel sites and is well known as a market town. At the markets you'll find colourful hill-tribe textiles and clothes, as well as jewellery and local specialties like coffee, tea, vegetables and fruits. There are also a range of Pakse hotels, lodges and guesthouses which offer great value and a convenient base for Champasak travel and exploration.
You could comfortably tour Pakse within a day. Some of the sights to take in and places to visit are the Wat Phat Baht, the Champasak Provincial Museum with its displays of hill-tribe ornaments and costumes; the Champasak Palace Hotel, built by Prince Boun Oum na Champasak of the Champasak Kingdom; and the Chinese Society House built in the colonial style. Motorised tricycles (tuk-tuks) are the best way to get around town.
The town of Champasak, 46km South of Pakse provides a relaxed and slower pace of life. It is less crowded and lacks the hustle and bustle of Pakse hotels and life. Here there are a range of budget Champasake guesthouses and Champasak hotels. It is popular with backpackers and those wishing to go on a Wat Phou tour to explore it's small but highly atmospheric ruins.
A highlight of visiting Champasak province is taking a Champasak tour to explore Wat Phou, which is approximately 46 km south of Pakse. It is said to have been built in homage to the Hindu god, Shiva, in the 6th century and is believed to be the blueprint for temples like Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It was recently ranked by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The temple complex consists of three sandstone buildings - one on the hilltop and the others at the foothills. In the main sanctuary on the upper level, there is a lingam (an idol symbolising Shiva) immersed in the water from the spring that runs at the rear of the complex. For a great view of the Mekong plain, climb up to the upper platform.
Near Wat Phu across the Mekong River lies Wat Oum Muong, another Khmer religious monument. The grounds of this temple on Tomo River are believed to be the source for the sandstone and laterite shipped to Wat Phu. Located well off the beaten track, Wat Oum Muong is guarded by dense forests all around.
One of the most beautiful sights in Champasak is Si Pan Don or the Four Thousands Islands at the widest section (about 14 km or nine miles) of the Mekong River. Here thousands of sandbars and islands rise from the water. Rainy season (June-October) obscure some of the smaller islands but this should not be a deterent to visiting this amazing area.
Don Khong, the largest of the Four Thousand Islands has a population largely comprised of fishermen and farmers. It provides an easy access point to the island area and can be a base for exploring further south where you can find magnificent waterfalls, river dolphins, the remnants of the French colonial period and much more.
Further south still is Southeast Asia's biggest waterfall -- Khongphrapheng, a part of the Mekong River. From Pakse City, the waterfall is about two hours away. Theimmense waterfall is formed where the Mekong River falls over a fault line and is a site not to be missed.
Battles were frequently fought in and around Champasak and the province was an important player in the history of Laos and Siam. You can find some information about Champasak in the Thao Suranaree, History of Important Thais, written by Manit Plophinit and translated into English by Frank G Anderson. The following provinces are Champasak's neighbours (clockwise from the north): Salavan, Xekong and Attapue; to the south, the Cambodian provinces of Stung Treng and Preah Vihear; and to the west, Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Our Champasak Hotels site features an interactive Champasak map and pictures of each of our Champasak hotel properties in the province, which means you can know exactly where you are staying and what kind of Champasake hotel and room you are booking.
Mekong Paradise Resort
Location: Pakse
From: USD 34
Ideally situated near the Mekong River, the Mekong Paradise Resort allows you to overlook the sparkling waters of the Mekong River from your own bedroom. All rooms are brilliantly fitted with wooden furniture and flooring and feature modern amenities such as air condition, cable TV, private bathroom with hot/cold shower, a bathtub and a large balcony area to unwind after a long day exploring Pakse.
[more info]
Champasak Palace Hotel
Location: PakseFrom: USD 23
Originally built as the palace for the last king of Laos, this impressive hotel stands out from afar with its beauty, size and unique style. This architectural masterpiece keeps the artistic guest enthralled for days with the hand painted, art-deco tiles, hand carved motifs all slightly different to each other but all stunningly beautiful and the fine attention to detail in the original design. Not only is Champasak Palace Hotel a piece of art work, and an important part of history, but it also provides guests with a great range of guest rooms, stunning panoramic views of Pakse town, mountains and rivers as well as having the only glass lift in Laos!
[more info]
Champa Residence Hotel
Location: PakseFrom: USD 29
One of the better hotels in town, the Champa Residence is on the outskirts of Pakse, opposite the Pakse Central Stadium and next to the Champasak Museum. The low-rise modern building is set around a very pretty garden courtyard. The simple, minimalist rooms are peaceful and comfortable, furnished with dark wooden beds. Guests are five minutes from Pha Bat Temple and Champasak Shopping Centre. The lovely restaurant offers local cuisine. There is a steam and sauna room for relaxation. Shopping at the markets is close to this hotel.
[more info]Champasak Grand Hotel
Location: Pakse
From: USD 46
Champasak Grand Hotel has a prime riverfront setting with spectacular views of the Mekong River, mountains and Pakse city. Champasak Grand Hotel has all the trimmings of a 4 star hotel with a grand foyer/reception area to the large corridors leading to spacious rooms. The hotel has a large swimming pool and gym facilities. The rooms are decked out with well-presented comfortable beds, elegant cushioned wooden furniture. The room has TV, bar fridge with complimentary water, valuables safety box in room and the standard bathroom toiletries that you’d expect.
[more info]Residence Sisouk
Location: PakseFrom: USD 37
Ideally located in the city center of Pakse, the Residence Sisouk Hotel provides a warm charming and traditional atmosphere. Overlooking the Sedone River, it offers you a unique view of the mouth of the river flowing into the Mekong River.
[more info]Sayse Guest House and Resort at Tad Lo
Location: Bolaven PlateauFrom: USD 34
Sayse Guest House and Resort Tad Lo is a unique property with a prime setting on the Seset River with spectacular views of Tad Lo and Tad Hang waterfalls. Guest rooms vary in style and amenities and are based in different coloured houses spread out along the river and falls, all amongst a natural, tree-shaded setting that entices relaxation.
[more info]Tad Fane Resort
Location: Bolaven PlateauFrom: USD 36
Perched high on the Bolaven Plateau over looking the spectacular Tad Fane waterfall, Tad Fane Resort is a special treat for nature lovers and those wanting to experience the beauty of Lao life in a very peaceful setting. Bungalows are located along a windy path, surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds, with the twin waterfalls in the distance cascading off a high chasm.
[more info]Tadlo Lodge
Location: Bolaven PlateauFrom: USD 41
Tadlo Lodge has a spectacular setting perched above the Sexet River at Tad Lo waterfall with an incredible ambiance and great views of Tad Lo and Tad Hang waterfalls just below. Guests can enjoy the natural surroundings by sitting on their bungalow balconies, exploring by foot or elephant the local area or swimming in the clean and picturesque river below. With a wealth of activities, spectacular scenery and a perfect setting, not to mention quality accommodation in bungalows, a visit to Tadlo Lodge will be one to remember.
[more info]Khonephapheng Resort and Golf club
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 46
This luxurious resort located on a large property featuring a 9 hole golf course is set by the Mekong River in the very south of Laos, just 2 km from the famous Khonephapheng waterfall.
[more info]Wat Phou Mekong Cruise
From: USD 606 / person(assuming 2 travellers)
Starting and finishing in Pakse, this luxurious cruise sails through spectacular scenery along the majestic Mekong River allowing guests to gain an excellent insight into rural Lao life whilst also visiting the special, UNESCO World Heritage listed Wat Phou temple, the atmospheric, hidden forest temple of Oum Muong, the beautiful archipelago of the 4000 Islands and it's many waterways as well as the tumultuous and spiritual waterfall of Pha Pheng on the Laos/Cambodian border before heading back to Pakse.
[more info]Inthira Hotel
Location: Champasak TownFrom: USD 40
Inthira Boutique Hotel is an exclusive, international standard property with stunning guest rooms and unique duplex suites all surrounded by a tranquil garden and warm, inviting atmosphere. Located in the very centre of Champasak town, you can't miss this property at night with the stunning lighting and aroma of international cuisine at the open restaurant.
[more info]Khonephapheng Resort and Golf club
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 46
This luxurious resort located on a large property featuring a 9 hole golf course is set by the Mekong River in the very south of Laos, just 2 km from the famous Khonephapheng waterfall.
[more info]Tadlo Lodge
Location: Bolaven PlateauFrom: USD 41
Tadlo Lodge has a spectacular setting perched above the Sexet River at Tad Lo waterfall with an incredible ambiance and great views of Tad Lo and Tad Hang waterfalls just below. Guests can enjoy the natural surroundings by sitting on their bungalow balconies, exploring by foot or elephant the local area or swimming in the clean and picturesque river below. With a wealth of activities, spectacular scenery and a perfect setting, not to mention quality accommodation in bungalows, a visit to Tadlo Lodge will be one to remember.
[more info]Treetop Explorer (3 Days)
From: USD 256 / person(assuming 2 travellers)
Two days of adrenaline fuelled action not enough to curb your enthusiasm then add another day with this 3 day 2 night fun filled adventure. Get to do exactly what you can on a 2 days 1 night adventure but just more of it including a 400 metres zip line ( the longest in the park).
[more info]Little Eden Guest House
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 35
Little Eden is located on the north-western tip of Don Det; the perfect mix between the sunrise and sunset sides of the island. With a large panorama, this ideal location sees many fantastic sunsets where guests can also take in the vistas whilst enjoying a meal and drink at the riverside restaurant. Little Eden is about quality and comfort and with a Belgium and Lao couple owning and managing the property, your needs are sure to be met with beautiful, high class hotel rooms and an extensive menu with European delights and special flavours.
[more info]Pon's Arena Hotel
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 52
Pon's Arena Hotel is a brand new, 2-story property located on the river front on Dong Khong Island. This very stylish, Lao designed modern hotel features beautiful contemporary guestrooms with a great range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay and a large communal balcony around the hotel on both levels. With a water front restaurant, all guests can enjoy this prime, picturesque location.
[more info]Sala Don Khone
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 50
Sala Don Khone is a beautiful property located on Don Khone Island in the heart of the 4,000 Islands. Situated on the river front, across from Don Det, Sala Don Khone is comprised of 3 room types, each diverse and unique, all exceptional quality and ideal for those looking for consistent cleanliness and higher standards.
[more info]Senesothxeune Hotel
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 51
Senesothxeune Hotel is a modern, beautiful property overlooking the river on Don Khong. With a great range of high quality rooms and suites, this new hotel is ideal for those looking for assured quality and comfort and has even see the Lao President stay in the very large suites.
[more info]Pon's River Guest House
Location: Four Thousand IslandsFrom: USD 23
Pon's River Guesthouse is conveniently located a few minutes walk from the port/boat drop off. The guesthouse has a restaurant overlooking the Mekong. Rooms are split on two levels with a terrace and sitting area on the 2nd floor. Rooms are airy and spacious, the tiled floors are a nice touch. The bathrooms have a pleasant slate design. Comfortable and decent.
[more info]
Your Local Travel Experts
Teamworkz are your trusted local travel experts for Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Travel agency by day, Teamworkz also specialize in sustainable tourism and marketing, and use our unique understanding of our local areas to help customers, clients, friends and family find what they are really looking for out of their visit to this amazing region. Of paramount important to Teamworkz is to make sure that these destinations we live and operate in benefit from tourism as well. From what we do to how we do it, the principles of responsible tourism are embedded in our operations
[more]| Connect with us on: |
|
Customer Feedback
Every thing from booking to paying has been excellent for me as living in Germany. Many thanks!Mr Jens E. - Germany
