| Type | small town in southern Laos on the west bank of the Mekong |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 40 km south of Pakse |
| History | seat of the Kingdom of Champasak, abolished by the French in 1945 |
| Today | mostly guesthouses along the riverbank |
| Nearby | Vat Phou temple ruins about 10 km away |
Champasak is a Laos province located in the South and quietly sits along the Mekong River. If there is a way to describe the beauty of this town, it would be a fusion of the ancient world, breathtaking natural beauty, and tranquil river life. Once a powerful kingdom, Champasak offers everything from cultural, and historical, to natural sites for any traveler. Come join Absolute Asia Tours to uncover the best way to explore Champasak – your way!
Best things to do in Champasak
Your trip should start off at one of the most notable historic sites in Laos, Wat Phou. It is one heritage site under UNESCO, built between the 10th and 14th century which has been described as a predecessor of Angkor Wat. The site translates to ‘mountain of the spirit’. And it is located at the bottom of Phou Khao Mountain, offering unrivaled views as well as stone sculptures of Hindu gods. If you visit these sites during the Bun Wat Phou festival, get ready for eye-catching festivities and thousands of pilgrim Buddhists from different parts of the world.
To enjoy the local ambiance, wander around Champasak town, a picturesque riverside town that is home to French colonial structures and traditional Laotian houses. You may find serene streets to walk along, a riverside cafe where you can chill, or you could go on a private boat excursion around the Mekong river. We can prepare a customized Champasak tour for you and guarantee that you capture the best out of this serene region with Absolute Asia Tours.
Enjoy The 4,000 Islands
Downstream, the Mekong contains my favorite section; the 4,000 Islands, or Si Phan Don, as well as the surrounding clusters. These remote islands are perfect for vacationing for anyone seeking relaxation and peace. Take a boat to Don Khone where you can ride a bike through charming villages and old relics like the French railroad, accompanied by the beautiful Liphi Waterfalls.
Wanna add Champasak into your Laos tour? We are always prepared to help our guests with the best tours to Laos. Allow Absolute Asia Tours to prepare the ideal plan for your journey, and are you prepared to experience the wonders of southern Laos?
The former royal seat
English Wikipedia describes Champasak as a small town in southern Laos on the west bank of the Mekong, about 40 kilometers south of Pakse. It was once the seat of the Kingdom of Champasak, an independent Lao state abolished by the French in 1945 when they created the Kingdom of Laos, though the last king had his palace in Pakse. Today the town consists mostly of guesthouses along the riverbank for visitors to the Vat Phou ruins about 10 kilometers away. See our Wat Phou page. We have not verified the older text on prices, opening hours, transport or tours, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Champasak. Last checked November 2026.
Champasak: FAQ
Where is Champasak?
On the west bank of the Mekong, about 40 km south of Pakse.
What was the Kingdom of Champasak?
An independent Lao state abolished by the French in 1945.
How far is Vat Phou?
About 10 km.
What is the town like today?
Small, with guesthouses along the river.
How many days do you need?
One night with Wat Phou.