Overview
Champasak is a quiet riverside town that serves as the gateway to Wat Phou, one of Southeast Asia's oldest temple complexes with Khmer-Hindu origins dating to the 2nd century BCE. The town itself has a handful of French colonial houses and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant overnight stop between Pakse and the Thai border.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi available at guesthouses. Purchase a local SIM card in Pakse for mobile data. Power plugs are standard Lao 2-pin type.
Health
Medical facilities are very limited in Champasak. Serious emergencies require transfer to Pakse or cross-border to Thailand. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is advisable.
Money
Local currency is Lao kip (LAK). ATMs are scarce in Champasak; withdraw cash in Pakse before arriving. Major establishments may accept Thai baht or USD.
Transport
Songthaews connect Champasak with Pakse (30 km north) irregularly. Tuk-tuks and xe om (motorcycle taxis) are available for local transport and trips to Wat Phou.