Paksong

Paksong is a small, quiet town on the Bolaven Plateau at 1300m elevation, making it noticeably cooler than the surrounding lowlands. It's the heart of Laos's coffee country, with plantations visible from town. The main draw is Tad Fan waterfall and the chance to buy fresh, high-quality Lao coffee directly from producers.

Buses from Pakse take about one and a half hours to reach Paksong. Songthews (shared pickup trucks) also run from the new market for 20,000 kip per person. Most travelers visit as a day trip or overnight stay from Pakse.

Paksong is small enough to explore on foot. The main street follows the highway from Pakse. Walking on side roads reveals blooming coffee trees, livestock, and tiny local shops. People are friendly, though surprised to see tourists off the main road. Dust and occasional barking farm dogs are common.

Paksong's elevation of 1300m keeps it cool year-round, making it an ideal escape during the hot season (March-May) when lowland temperatures soar. The best time to see coffee production is during harvest season (November-February). The wet season runs from May to October.

Accommodation options are limited but functional. Savannah Guesthouse offers clean, spacious rooms with TV, hot water, and WiFi for 130k-150k kip. Paksong Guesthouse is next door with smaller rooms. Phuthevada Hotel sits on a hill just outside town center with western and local food, ranging from 100k-500k kip.

Several restaurants line the main road including Khittavahn, Kham Toan, and Nang Eung opposite Lao Development Bank, with menus starting at 15k kip and large Beer Lao for 10k. Susu is a Vietnamese restaurant near Won/Koffie's Coffee. During the day, the market offers noodle and barbecue eateries, sandwiches for 5k kip, blended fruit drinks for 5k kip, and fresh baked baguettes. Lao barbecue places further from Pakse allow you to point at what you want.

Tad Fan waterfall is the main attraction, standing over 100m high and accessible for 5,000 kip entry. PakSong Fitness gym is open 6-8am and 3-7:30pm at the far end of town; after the main road splits into three, take the middle branch past a small park for 10k kip per visit. Walking through coffee plantations is popular, especially during harvest season (November-February).

Paksong is famous for its coffee. You can buy great quality coffee at the market or from roadside vendors. For expert guidance, visit Won/Koffie's Coffee or JHAI Coffee House, both located on the main road past the hospital. Fresh roasted beans make excellent souvenirs.

Coffee is the local specialty. Won/Koffie's Coffee serves coffee for 10k kip while JHAI Coffee House charges 15k kip. Every restaurant serves Beer Lao, and several karaoke venues near Paksong Guesthouse offer evening entertainment.

Paksong is part of the Champasak region. Most travelers return to Pakse (1.5 hours by bus) as a base for exploring the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou temple complex. The Bolaven Plateau offers other waterfalls and ethnic minority villages worth exploring if you have transport.