Pakse: The town

Pakse is the fourth largest city in Laos, after Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet, and the largest city in southern Laos.  The town is set on the eastern border of the Mekong River and is close to both the Thai and Cambodian borders.

The capital of the province of Champassak, Pakse is growing fast, with the help of development aid from many countries (the bridge built in 2000 was with the help of Japan).

Close to Pakse is the Bolaven Plateau which is famous for Laos coffee. If you have an extra day in Pakse before or after your cruise, it is possible to organise a tour to the Bolaven Plateau. At 600 metres altitude, you experience cool fresh air instead of the heat of the plains. The climate and the very fertile volcanic soil make it a perfect location for growing coffee (both Arabica and Robusta), tea, rubber, bananas, rattan and cardoman  - most of these crops were introduced by the French.

The bombing raids on the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War caused a lot of damage in this area. 

The main ethnic group in the plateau are the Laven people for who the area is named. There are also many other ethnic groups including lowland Lao, Alak, Suay and Taoy, and it is possible to see them in the markets.

Near Paksong, there are two waterfalls that can be visited, both having resorts nearby so you can also stay the night. Tad Lo is a 10m high waterfall with a deep pool for swimming and a great picnic area. Tad Fane is more remote, amidst jungle and is a 120m waterfall which is best viewed from a distance.

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