ไทย
English
Travel Attapeu
mr.hotsia travel Laos Attapeu Province HOT05612
Travel Attapeu, Attapeu Province, Laos with mr.hotsia
When talking about Lao border towns that few Thais visit, “Attapeu” is a name many are still unfamiliar with. But for me, mr.hotsia, visiting here was a unique and memorable experience. Attapeu is located in Attapeu Province, a border town adjacent to Vietnam and Cambodia. This area clearly shows cultural diversity, especially with over half the population being Vietnamese, giving the town a unique blended charm that's hard to find elsewhere.
Once I traveled from Kontum, Vietnam, and stayed overnight in Attapeu. Getting here is easier than you might think. There are buses from Pakse passing through Pak Song and Sekong to Attapeu, and if coming from Vientiane, there are also comfortable sleeper buses available.Attapeu Bus StationLocated about 7 kilometers from the town center. Getting into town is convenient with jumbo taxis or tuk-tuks waiting at the station at reasonable prices.
The atmosphere by the Two-Color River in Attapeu
Attapeu Morning Market Not to Miss
If you come to Attapeu and skip the morning market, you’re seriously missing out.Attapeu Morning MarketLocated by the Sekong River near the bridge to Vietnam, this market is bustling in the morning with a wide variety of fresh goods, especially fish from the abundant Sekong River. The fish here aren’t small ordinary ones; they include various rare freshwater species not commonly found in Thailand, such as the large freshwater fish called "pla na noo" which I really like. I bought half a kilo of pla na noo for 100 baht and had my regular restaurant in town fry it for me. It was so delicious I had to share.
Recommended Restaurants in Attapeu
Speaking of food in this town, I recommend “Lao People’s Restaurant” located opposite Wat Mai. This place serves authentic Lao dishes with fresh and balanced flavors. My favorite order is simple fried fish, but it tastes amazing, especially with sticky rice. Impressively, this restaurant was once honored by former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai who stopped by while traveling to Vietnam, as shown in photos on the restaurant’s wall.
Besides eating at the restaurant, I also like buying fresh fish from the market to have them fry it for me. Since I fell in love with pla na noo during my trip to Champasak, eating it again here was just as delicious and the price is quite reasonable considering the freshness and taste.
Accommodation in Attapeu
Accommodation prices in Attapeu are relatively high compared to other towns in Laos. Air-conditioned rooms cost 400-500 baht per night, while fan rooms are 200-300 baht. I chose to stay at “Phuthawong Guesthouse” which costs only 200 baht per night. The rooms are clean and the owner is very kind, offering great advice for onward travel to other towns. This place is also a transport hub for buses to Sekong, Pakse, and Vientiane, making travel much easier for those wanting to explore multiple places in Attapeu Province.
Summary of Traveling Attapeu with mr.hotsia
For those who want to go off the main tourist routes and enjoy the simple, unspoiled charm of a border town, Attapeu is an answer not to be overlooked. Travel here is convenient with rental cars available if you want to drive yourself, or good bus services. Walking the morning market, tasting local food at the regular restaurant by Wat Mai, and watching the two-color river flow together are small joys that I, mr.hotsia, will never forget.
I encourage you to experience it yourself, and you will understand why Attapeu is such a fascinating and lovely Lao border town.