Travel Champasak

Travel Champasak: A Quiet Riverside Town on the Mekong Overlooked by Thai Travelers

I, mr.hotsia, am writing this article from Saithong Guesthouse, Champasak, by the very wide Mekong River at this time. The Don Daeng island in the middle of the river is a striking sight. Champasak is an old town that many Thai people have yet to visit. One reason is that tourists often drive through toWat Phu Templewhich is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos, and often choose to stay in Pakse, which is only 30 kilometers from Champasak.

The road from Pakse goes straight to Wat Phu without passing through Champasak town or needing to take a ferry anymore, making Champasak seem overlooked. But I want to say, “Don’t pass by yet,” because Champasak has a unique charm and still maintains the peacefulness of an old town very well.

Real Feelings from Champasak Town

I once played badminton with locals here and talked about concerns whether tourists would come to Champasak after the road was completed in 2011. Of course, at first most tourists still used tours focusing on Wat Phu, but in the long run, I think independent travel will increase a lot because it’s easy to get around here with buses and motorbike rentals. Importantly, just having a passport allows you to visit Laos for 30 days without a visa.

Champasak is an old town with a long history. Sometimes it is said that this road once connected Wat Phu temple to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I heard that there is currently a study and development of this ancient route, which makes Champasak even more charming and intriguing.

Lifestyle and Morning Atmosphere in Champasak

In Champasak town, there is no permanent market like other towns, but there are mobile market carts running along the streets. These carts start moving early in the morning. I enjoy walking in the morning because I get to see the real life of people here, from fish sellers going house to house along the road to monks collecting alms walking along the main riverside street.

The main street in Champasak is a riverside road along the Mekong that is comfortable for walking for several hundred meters. Along the river, fishing boats and locals doing daily activities add to the old town atmosphere perfectly.

Riverside Accommodation with a Memorable Sunrise

I recommend choosing accommodation by the Mekong River only, such as where I stayed at Saithong Guesthouse. The sunrise from the opposite side of the Mekong is very beautiful. The wide river with Don Daeng island blocking the far side makes the sunlight not too strong. It’s an image I believe many travelers will remember, including Japanese tourists I met here who were so impressed they decided to stay several more nights.

Food and Lao Coffee in Champasak: Simple Charm

Breakfast in Champasak impressed me a lot, starting with authentic Lao coffee from Pak Song, a famous coffee growing area in southern Laos (read moreTravel Pak Song, Pakse City, Champasak Province). Hot black coffee in the morning is something I drink every day, sipping it while watching the sunrise. The taste is strong and rich without needing sugar or creamer.

During the day and evening, I often walk along the streets to find local food like pho or rice with curry. Prices here are affordable, about 15,000 kip per dish, which is very good value considering the taste and atmosphere.

Getting to Champasak and Independent Travel

Getting to Champasak is very easy. I recommend taking a bus from Pakse at the Southern Bus Station. It takes about 30 minutes to get there. There is a ferry to cross to Champasak town on the opposite side of the Mekong. The ferry costs 5,000 kip per person, and motorcycles cross for 10,000 kip.

For those interested in detailed travel routes to Wat Phu Temple and Champasak, I have written an articleTravel to Wat Phu Templewhich will help you plan your trip more easily.

Champasak: A Town Not to Be Overlooked for Travelers Who Love Peace

If you enjoy slow travel, walking around old towns, drinking coffee in the morning, and experiencing the simple lifestyle of Lao people, Champasak is the answer you shouldn’t miss. There is no big flashy market, no noisy lights and sounds, only peace blended with the scent of ancient culture and traditions.

If you travel to southern Laos, don’t forget to stop by Champasak for a night or two, and you will realize this is a town many Thai people have yet to experience but should see with their own eyes.

For more information about traveling in southern Laos, including Pakse, Pak Song, and other interesting places, you can continue reading atTravel Pak Song, Pakse City, Champasak ProvinceandPakse Bus Station UbonThank you.