Pakse Pho laos noodle soup

Pakse Pho: A noodle soup you must try in Champasak Province

When it comes to food that impressed me, mr.hotsia, the most during my trip to Champasak Province, Laos, it has to be none other than “Pho” or Vietnamese noodle soup right here in Pakse.

I had the chance to visit Pakse, the capital city of Champasak Province, which is considered a gateway to exploring southern Laos more interestingly than many think. Besides famous attractions likeWat Phu Templeand the convenient travel from Ubon Ratchathani, one thing I really enjoyed was tasting the local food, especially the pho here, which has a unique charm and distinct difference.

Why Pakse Pho?

Pho in Pakse is not just ordinary noodle soup. Most of the delicious and famous pho shops are run by Vietnamese people living in Pakse. The Vietnamese community in Laos is known for preserving their traditional food identity very well. I once tried pho at a shop right across from Sang Arun Hotel, just a few steps away. The sellers spoke Vietnamese among themselves, assuring the authentic taste would not be compromised.

What makes this Pakse pho stand out is the choice of beef that is blanched until just barely cooked, making the meat tender, not tough, and tasting fresh. This is different from other places I’ve encountered in Laos where the beef can sometimes be tough and lose flavor. Another thing I was impressed with was the generous amount of beef in the bowl, which is worth the 15,000-20,000 kip per bowl, or about 60-80 Thai baht. It’s not cheap but reasonable for the quality and deliciousness.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle in Pakse with Pho

I, mr.hotsia, enjoy strolling through markets and small eateries in Pakse because it helps me understand the local way of life better. The Main Market 14 in Pakse is one place I recommend visiting, as it offers plenty of fresh food from the Mekong River, and the aroma of fresh ingredients makes you even hungrier.

After trying pho at a Vietnamese shop in downtown Pakse, I usually walk around to observe the simple yet warm lifestyle of the locals. Seeing the exchanges of conversations in the market and traditional cooking methods enriches my travel experience.

Travel and Additional Recommendations

For anyone planning to visit southern Laos and wanting to try pho the mr.hotsia way, I recommend starting from Pakse because it is conveniently accessible and considered the center of Vietnamese cuisine in Laos. For those interested in continuing their trip from Pakse, I suggest readingStories of Champasak TravelorTraveling Pakxongwhich I have written to provide complete information and help you prepare well.

Moreover, traveling from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse is not complicated. There are several bus services daily, and once in Pakse, you can easily take tuk-tuks or rent motorcycles to various destinations. I have written about this inPakse-Ubon Bus StationandTraveling to Wat Phu Templewhich will help you plan your trip more easily.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

For me, tasting pho in Pakse is not just about the flavor but a deep connection to the culture and lifestyle of both the Lao and Vietnamese people here. Traveling in Champasak Province and experiencing local food like pho is one of the experiences that makes me want to return to southern Laos many times.

If you are a traveler who loves food and wants to understand the local life in new places, I, mr.hotsia, recommend you come to Pakse and try authentic Vietnamese pho. I guarantee the deliciousness and atmosphere will leave you unforgettable impressions.