Often overlooked by travelers rushing through Laos, Pakse is the gateway to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes!

Established by the French in 1905 (they did leave behind more than just baguettes), Pakse has evolved into the second-largest city in the country, although it’s still laid-back enough to feel like a secret.

Home to endless waterfalls and some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste, Pakse offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip: from the best time to visit and how to get here to where to rent a motorbike and explore all the hidden gems beyond the city.

Also read: What to Do in Pakse, Laos: Top 9 Activities You Can’t Miss

Best Time to Visit

For the best experience, plan your trip between November and February. This is when Pakse enjoys mild, sunny weather, which is ideal for exploring the outdoors. March and April are still good months, but temperatures can climb past 35°C, and the lush landscapes may start turning brown.

Note: We would recommend avoiding the rainy season (May to October). While the waterfalls will be at their fullest, heavy rains can make the water murky and even unsafe to visit.

How Long to Stay in Pakse

The main attraction in Pakse is the Waterfall Loop in the Bolaven Plateau, which is usually explored on a motorbike for up to 4 days. If you opt for the short circuit, you can plan 2-4 days in Pakse, but if you opt for the long circuit, you’ll need at least 4-6 days.

To make the most of your trip, we recommend adding one day before and one after the circuit for resting. If you’re planning a jungle adventure, you’ll need another two days on top of your itinerary.

How to Get to Pakse

🇱🇦 Vientiane to Pakse: you can travel from Vientiane to Pakse by bus or flight, depending on your budget and time. The bus journey takes 10-12 hours and costs between €18-25. If you prefer speed, Lao Airlines operates a 1.5h flight starting at €85+.

🇱🇦 Don Det to Pakse: to get from Don Det to Pakse, you’ll need to take a combination of a boat and a bus. The journey starts with a 30-minute boat ride to Nakasong, the mainland pier. From there, you can catch a bus or minivan to Pakse, which takes around 3 hours. Most guesthouses and travel agencies in Don Det sell combined boat + bus tickets for around €6-10.

Also read: Don Det: Must-Do Activities, Top Stays, and How to Get There

Coming from bordering countries:

🇹🇭 Thailand to Pakse: the easiest way to reach Pakse from Thailand is via Ubon Ratchathani. From Bangkok, you can take an 8-9 hour bus or train to Ubon Ratchathani, then a 1.5-hour bus to Chong Mek (the Thai-Laos border). After crossing at Ban Vang Tao (Laos), you’ll need to arrange a shared van or tuk-tuk for the final 1-hour ride to Pakse.

Pro Tip: the Thai-Laos border closes at 8 PM, so plan your journey accordingly. For a smoother experience, we highly recommend booking a direct bus from Bangkok to Pakse to avoid the hassle of arranging transport on your own after crossing the border.

🇰🇭 Cambodia to Pakse: direct overnight sleeper buses connect Cambodia to Pakse, with routes from Siem Reap (10-12 hours) and Phnom Penh (14-16 hours). Tickets typically cost around €40.

🇻🇳 Vietnam to Pakse: the best way to reach Pakse from Vietnam is by taking a direct international flight to Pakse from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey typically takes 1.5 hours and starts at €150+.

Book your transportation to Pakse here >

Getting Around Pakse

There isn’t much to do in the city per se, so you’ll need a mode of transportation and renting a scooter or motorbike is the best way to explore.

Several rental shops in town offer automatic and semi-automatic scooters and manual motorbikes, with daily rates ranging from €8-12 depending on the model.

Most manual motorbike rentals require a passport deposit or a cash deposit (around €100-200), and some may ask for an international driving permit (IDP).

Tip: If you rent a bike from Miss Noy (location here), be sure to attend their 6 pm briefing session on the Bolaven Plateau Loops to ensure a smooth journey.

Where to Stay in Pakse

Pakse is a super small and laid-back riverside town. Everything happens along the main Thanon Road or along the river. Here are our best recommendations for every budget:

Find more accommodations in Pakse here >

Things to Do in Pakse

🛵 Waterfall Loop in the Bolaven Plateau: the reason most people visit Pakse in the first place is to do a motorbike loop of the Bolaven Plateau, an elevated region known for its incredible waterfalls and coffee plantations.

🌿 Go on a Jungle Adventure Tour: this activity is a must-do if you have the extra time (and budget)! You’ll be in nature for 2 days, zipping through the treetops, hiking through the rainforest, and even rappelling down waterfalls. At night, you’ll stay in treehouses perched high in the jungle.

☕ Visit Specialty Coffee Plantations: the Bolaven Plateau is Laos’ premier coffee-growing region, producing some of the finest Arabica and Robusta beans in the world. We recommend visiting the CPC (location here) for insights into the coffee-making process, from bean to cup.

💦 Zipline over Tad Fane Waterfall: soar 300m above the ground on Laos’ highest zipline, with the twin waterfalls of Tad Fane right below you on such a unique experience! The longest zipline spans 470m, and if you’re feeling brave, you can take on all four lines.

⛵ Cruise the Mekong River: one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience the region. Sunset cruises are a popular option, often including drinks and traditional Lao snacks while you watch the sky turn golden over the river.

Hot tip: For an in-depth guide on what to do in Pakse, check out our What to Do in Pakse, Laos: Top 9 Activities You Can’t Miss guide, which includes all of the activity costs, links to book them, as well as personal recommendations!

Pakse on a Budget

🏠 Accommodation: the cheapest accommodations start at €5-11 a night for hostel dorms and €10-20 for budget private rooms.

🍔 Food: local food ranges between €1-4, averaging €3 per dish. Western dishes range between €5-10.

🚗 Transport: you should consider either the motorbike rental per day (usually €10) or the tuk-tuk rides in case you’re not driving.

🎟️ Activities: the main activity here is the Waterfall Loop in the Bolaven Plateau which can be done by motorbike or by guided tour. You’ll have to consider the cost of transportation and food per day + each night at a different guesthouse along the way.

Note: we visited Pakse on a budget in 2023. We managed to stay on a budget of around €23 per person per day.

Tips for visiting Pakse

• A friendly “Sabaidee” (hello) and a smile go a long way here. Plus, it’s a fun word to say!
• Pakse has several ATMs around the city, especially near the central area. However, withdrawal limits are usually 1-2,000,000 LAK (~€50-100) per transaction, with fees ranging from €2-5 per withdrawal.
• Money exchange services are available at banks and some gold shops, but Thai Baht and US Dollars are often accepted for larger payments.
• For medical care, Pakse has a few hospitals and clinics, though standards may not be as high as in Thailand. The International Pakse-Thanghoa Hospital is the best option as it offers private healthcare with English-speaking staff.
• For serious medical issues, seek treatment in Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand), which has higher-quality hospitals and is located about 3 hours away.

Also read: Vang Vieng: BEST Things to Do