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Champassak
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Champasack Province General Information: The southernmost province bordering Thailand and Cambodia, covering 15,415 square kilometers. Pakse, Sanasomboun, Bachiangchaleunsouk, Pakxong, Pathoumphone, Phonthong, Champasack, Sukhuma, Mounlapamok, and French colonial architecture along with ancient temple ruins make Champasack a place to witness the rich cultural heritage of Laos. Rare freshwater dolphins and powerful waterfalls are notable natural highlights.
Its geographical features create some of the most beautiful tourist sites. The province has a population of about 600,000, including Lowland Lao, Highland Lao, Khmers, and many unique ethnic minority groups. The province is also famous for producing Lao coffee, tea, rattan, and other agricultural products. The distance from Vientiane to Pakse, the provincial capital of Champasack, is 610 kilometers via Route 13 (south) passing through Borikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, and Saravane provinces.
Located at the confluence of the Xedone and Mekong Rivers, Pakse connects trade and travel between Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Founded as a French administrative outpost in 1905, the town retains much of its colonial legacy and architecture. The Champasack Historical Heritage Museum offers a great introduction to Lao history.
The town, located on the right bank of the Mekong River, shares a border with Thailand. It was one of the three principalities of the Lane Xang Empire in 1349 under King Fa Ngum's region. Visitors to the famous Wat Amath can see treasures dating back to Wat Phou, Champasack's second World Heritage Site in Laos.
The highlight of any visit to Champasack Province is the ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phou. Situated on the slope of Phou Kao mountain, 6 kilometers from Champasack District and about 45 kilometers south of Pakse along the Mekong River, it is an important historic and cultural site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 14, 2001 (the second World Heritage site in Laos).
Wat Phou is a complex of temple buildings constructed in Khmer style overlooking the Mekong River, both impressive and inspiring. It is recognized as one of the most important Hindu sanctuaries of Cambodia's Khmer Empire, which existed from the 9th to 13th centuries, and is the largest example of Khmer architecture in southern Laos. On the same site, ruins dating from pre-Angkor times have also been found.
During the third lunar month, usually in February and before celebrations at Angkor, Champasack holds the traditional Wat Phou Festival at the ruins. Festivities include elephant racing, cockfighting, and performances of traditional Lao music and dance. Don (Four Thousand Islands) - the breathtaking Si Phan Don or Four Thousand Islands are located in a section of the Mekong River just north of the Cambodia border.
Don Khong is the largest island and features several small villages, temples, and caves. A French-built bridge from a now-defunct railway connects the two smaller islands of Don Pakha. The Mekong freshwater dolphin protection and conservation center is located on the Laos-Cambodia border.
The freshwater dolphins, called Pakha in Lao, inhabit only this part of the Mekong River. Tourists can observe these endangered dolphins by chartering boats from Ban Khon or Ban Veunkham (located at the southern tip of the islands) on Don Khon. West of Ban Khon Village, Liphi Waterfall is another stunning natural site to visit in Champasack Province. A calmer section of the river below the falls forms a natural habitat for the endangered freshwater dolphins.
Khon Phapheng Waterfall on Don Khon in the Mekong River is the jewel of Champasack Province. Further downstream, the Mekong cascades over a wide rocky mouth with a curving slope sometimes tinted by rainbows. Known as the Lao Niagara, it is the widest waterfall in Asia, more than 20 kilometers wide. This is where the Mekong River drops before continuing its course into the South China Sea via Cambodia and Vietnam. It is also renowned as a rich fish basin. These spectacular waterfalls make this section of the Mekong River impassable.
Tad Fane Waterfall, a natural tourism site, is located within the Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area at Ban Lak 38 along Route 16 from Pakse toward Pakxong District. The Champi and Prakkoot streams, originating from the Boloven Plateau at about 1,000 meters above sea level, merge to create Tad Fane Waterfall.
The true beauty of this waterfall comes from the two branches of the stream dividing around steep cliffs. An endless flow of water is created, and when windy, the mist sprays and rainbows form.
Set against blue skies and evergreen forest, the waterfall creates one of the most mesmerizing views. The constant cool breeze enhances the full experience of nature. It is an ideal spot for tourists to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Although swimming at the waterfall is not possible, the view is unforgettable.
Built on flat rock on Phou Kao Klat Ngong Mountain in Pathoumphone District, it has recently become a well-known National Heritage site. From Route 13 (south) from Pakse, upon reaching Km 38, turn left onto Route 18B and travel about 8 kilometers to Ban Klat Ngong Village. Originally built by the Khmers for worship, although now damaged, it remains an important archaeological site open to visitors. Archaeologists have surveyed the site and are preparing for restoration with hopes to preserve it.