Backpacking Southern Laos & Cambodia 7: Pho Lan Kham, Pakse

Backpacking Southern Laos & Cambodia 7: Pho Lan Kham, Pakse

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you backpacking through southern Laos on a route that serves as a cultural bridge between Laos and Cambodia. That is “Pho Lan Kham” and the capital of Champasak Province, “Pakse.” This is my first serious visit to southern Laos where I got to experience the riverside lifestyle along the Mekong River up close. I must say this trip was not as romantic as expected but was full of fun stories and unforgettable local flavors.

Starting from “Pho Lan Kham,” a small village by the Mekong River not far from Pakse. Traveling from Pakse here is very easy. I chose to take the Don Khong bus from Pakse Southern Bus Station, got off at kilometer 30, then took a ferry across the Mekong River to Ban Muang side, where Pho Lan Kham is located opposite Champasak town.

The atmosphere here is simpler and quieter than I imagined. Every morning, locals fetch water from the Mekong River and diligently prepare breakfast. I strolled through a small market selling fresh Mekong fish like the fresh pla na noo fish naturally displayed. This market reminded me ofthe Main Market 14 in Paksewhich also offers fresh fish and plenty of local products, but Pho Lan Kham feels like a warmer, smaller community.

One thing I really liked was “Pho,” or Lao noodle soup, at a small roadside shop. I ordered beef pho with a rich, aromatic broth full of authentic Lao spices, served with fresh vegetables and hot sticky rice. It was a breakfast full of energy for continuing my journey to Pakse.

From Pho Lan Kham, I continued to “Pakse,” the capital of Champasak Province and the transportation and development hub of southern Laos. Pakse is an important connection point between Laos and neighboring countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. Let me share a bit about traveling here based on my experience documented in articlesTraveling to Wat Phu TempleandPakse-Ubon Bus StationPakse offers various bus and van services. Traveling here is convenient and not as complicated as many think.

Pakse is not just a transit town but a lively city, especially the Main Market 14, a hub for fresh produce and interesting local foods. While wandering here, I found fresh Mekong fish, local vegetables, and spices used by locals in cooking, just like I experienced atMain Market 14which is full of colors and the aroma of Lao cuisine.

Pakse’s nightlife is equally charming. I chose to visit the night market area atPakse Night Marketwhich offers a wide variety of Lao foods to taste, including grilled chicken, Lao papaya salad, and hot sticky rice—a perfect combination. For coffee lovers, try stopping by Pakxong, the famous coffee town not far from Pakse. I have written about it in the articleTraveling to Pakxong, Pakse City, Champasak Provincea town with cool weather and beautiful waterfalls to explore uniquely.

For those who love nature and history, don’t forget to visit the World Heritage Site Wat Phu Temple in Champasak, which is not far from Pakse. I, mr.hotsia, have detailed it inthe Wat Phu Temple Champasak articleAnyone traveling to southern Laos should make time for this place, as it is a highlight of southern Laos filled with historical stories and beautiful architecture.

On this southern Laos trip, I experienced culture, lifestyle, and delicious local food worth sharing. If you want a true backpacking experience, try the Pho Lan Kham to Pakse route. I guarantee you will feel both relaxation and excitement from an adventure in a land still rich with natural charm and genuine simplicity.

Follow the travel video of this trip on my channelBackpacking Southern Laos & Cambodia 7: Pho Lan Kham, Pakseto see the atmosphere and fun stories I have collected for you.

Finally, if you are interested in detailed travel planning for southern Laos, whether it’s ferry rides, motorbike rentals, or travel information to important sites, I recommend reading more articles on my website. It will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.