Pakse is one of those places that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it’s just a sleepy town by the Mekong River. But stick around, and you’ll discover it’s surrounded by stunning landscapes and so many waterfalls you’ll lose count.
Throw in some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste, and suddenly, Pakse feels like a place you didn’t know you needed! Think of it as a gateway to some of Laos’ most beautiful landscapes, kind of like a backstage pass to nature.
From ziplining over waterfalls to cycling through quiet villages, Pakse is a destination where you can slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and surprise yourself with how much there is to explore. Let’s dive into some of the best experiences you won’t want to miss!
Also read: A First-Timer’s Guide to Pakse: Everything You Need to Know
1. 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.
There are two popular routes to explore in the area: the Small Loop, which typically takes 2 days and 1 night, and the Big Loop, which takes around 4 days and 3 nights (depending on how many times you choose to stop).
If you rent a bike from Miss Noy (location here), be sure to attend their 6 pm briefing session the evening before your departure. During the session, you’ll receive a detailed map of the circuit along with valuable tips on must-visit spots, the best places to stay, and how to look after your bike to ensure a smooth journey.
Hot tip: if the loops feel a bit too long, you can still visit the most iconic waterfalls on a day trip from Pakse. Check out our itinerary here:
2. 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.
Fun fact: the Bolaven Plateau accounts for over 90% of Laos’ coffee production!
3. 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.
Book this experience online right here >
4. Sunset at Wat Phousalao & the Golden Buddha
If a sunset adventure sounds like your thing, you’ll love this spot! Start by crossing the Japanese Friendship Bridge to reach Wat Phousalao. Climb the stairs to find a giant Golden Buddha at the top of the mountain.
Tip: Not in the mood for stairs? No problem! You can drive around to the back entrance for a shortcut.
5. Visit the Vat Phou Complex
Dating back to the 5th century, Vat Phou was once a major center of the Khmer Empire, long before the rise of Angkor Wat in Cambodia! Today, Vat Phou remains an active site of worship, with locals regularly visiting to make offerings and participate in religious ceremonies.
Note: Vat Phou is located about a one-hour drive from Pakse and it’s open everyday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Tickets cost 50.000k (around 2 euros) per person and can be bought from 6 to 8 AM and from 4:30 to 6 PM at the main gate.
Also read: Don Det: Must-Do Activities, Top Stays, and How to Get There
6. Zipline over Tad Fane Waterfall
Soar 300m above the ground on Laos’ highest zipline, with the twin waterfalls of Tad Fane right below you. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but such a unique experience! The longest zipline spans 470m, and if you’re feeling brave, you can take on all four lines.
The best time to zipline over Tad Fane is during or right after the wet season (May to October), as this is when the waterfall and its surroundings are the most beautiful.
Book this experience online right here >
Hot tip: In case you want to add to this experience, Tad Fane is also home to Tad Fane Resort where you can book a cozy wooden cabin and sleep right by the top of the waterfall!
7. Bike the Don Daeng Island
Just a short boat ride from the mainland is a small, charming island that’s perfect for experiencing a slower pace of life. With no cars and very few tourists, Don Daeng is known for being a great place to experience traditional Lao culture firsthand!
The best way to explore Don Daeng is by bicycle, and you can easily rent one for a couple of euros. The island is relatively flat and there are plenty of scenic routes that take you through rice fields, along the river, and past traditional villages.
Note: to reach Don Daeng from Pakse, you need to go on a short drive or tuk-tuk ride to the village of Ban Muang, followed by a brief boat ride across the Mekong River to the island. The boat ride takes about 10-15 minutes.
8. Sunset at Le Panomara Rooftop
What better way to end a day of exploring than with good food, great drinks, and a stunning sunset from a rooftop? On top of Pakse Hotel, Le Panorama Rooftop is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the views after a full day of adventures.
Also read: Vang Vieng: BEST Things to Do
9. Spend a day at Tad Lo Waterfalls
fTad Lo Waterfalls is a trio of waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau and a popular destination for a day trip or overnight excursion. The most common way to get there is by bus or motorbike. Buses and minivans regularly run from Pakse to Tad Lo, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours.
Tad Lo is the largest and most popular of the three waterfalls in the area. The pool at the base of this waterfall is perfect for a refreshing dip, especially during the warmer months.
Fun fact: Tad Lo is also known for its resident elephants, which are often seen bathing in the river. Spotting one of these gentle giants in the wild is such a magical experience! 🐘
Located just upstream from Tad Lo, Tad Hang is a smaller but equally beautiful waterfall. It’s the first waterfall you’ll encounter when arriving in the area, and it’s often a quieter spot. Take a walk across the wooden bridge that spans the river near Tad Hang for a different perspective!
Tad Suong, the third and most remote of the Tad Lo waterfalls, is located further upstream and requires a bit more effort to reach. However, if you make it through the trek (the trail is well-marked), you are rewarded with a stunning, secluded waterfall surrounded by dense forest.
Note: Many of the guesthouses around Tad Lo are eco-friendly, promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the environment and the local communities. So an overnight stay is definitely more than recommended!
