PIXEL VISA

Pakse, a charming town in southern Laos, is known for its picturesque landscapes, cultural richness, and as a gateway to the beautiful Bolaven Plateau. Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, Pakse attracts travelers with its laid-back atmosphere and French colonial architecture. The town serves as a starting point for exploration of the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its lush coffee plantations, stunning waterfalls like Tad Fane and Tad Yuang, and diverse ethnic villages. Pakse also offers a glimpse into local life with its bustling markets, traditional temples such as Wat Luang, and the serene Don Kho Island. Whether seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a tranquil escape, Pakse provides a unique blend of natural beauty and Laotian charm.

The Pakse Loop

Most people that come through Pakse are either starting or ending their motorbike trip around the Pakse loop. The Pakse loop takes you across the pristine Bolaven Plateau, through gorgeous waterfalls and nature. There are two routes; A two-day route and a four-day route, which takes you through some additional stunning waterfalls and villages. I personally did not do the Pakse Loop, but have heard great things about it. It's one of the lesser traveled motorbike loops in Southeast Asia; meaning that you will get to enjoy the scenery in more solitude.

Sleeper Bus Nightmares

Taking a sleeper bus is all part of the experience of backpacking in Southeast Asia. On a sleeper bus, you are transported in beds rather than seats with the hopes that you can get some sleep on long journeys across countries. Most backpackers find sleeper buses to be uncomfortable necessities and I recommend everybody try it once. With that said, there's a risk when taking any transportation out here. I have heard crazy stories of bus breakdowns, rocky routes, and did I mention that on sleeper buses you end up sleeping on a twin bed next to a stranger? That is of course if you don't have a travel buddy to book your ticket with. Odds are you will end up either spooning or ass to ass with a local. It's not all so bad. My experience was much worse, as I was dealing with a terrible stomach ache on my trip from Vientiane to Pakse (a 12 hour journey). That week, I ended up staying in bed for most of the day trying to recover. I would definitely avoid taking sleeper buses in the future, but sometimes it can't be helped.

One Young Backpacker's Dream

While in Pakse, I dreamt of taking a kayak from Pakse to the 4,000 Islands. The trip would be over 100 miles in total and take me through some villages on the Mekong River. I was sick during my time in Pakse, but still managed to ask every person I could about whether it was possible to rent a kayak there. Unfortunately I could not find a rentable kayak in Pakse. Even when later I made it to the 4,000 Islands by bus, I could not find an agency which would rent me a kayak long-term and without a guide. I hope to be able to return to the Mekong to kayak some day in the future.

The Last Baguette

I unfortunately spent most of my time in Pakse sick with some kind of crippling stomach bug. I could hardly get out of bed for the first couple of days after arriving via the insane sleeper bus journey. On my second day in Pakse I left the hostel to search for food, as I hadn't really eaten in a day or two. I was weak and all I wanted was bread. It was later in the evening and all the bakeries and cafes were closing, so as I slowly made my way through town, I had the hardest time finding any kind of bread. I finally made it to a cafe which, on Google Maps, appeared to offer fresh pastries and bread. When I approached the door, it appeared closed. But Google Maps said that it didn't close for another 30 minutes. The door was locked, but from the window I could see a baguette in the pastry case, so I knocked. A Laotian woman appeared and looked at me confused. I pointed at the baguette. It looked like it had been torn in half and was the only piece of bread left in the whole display. More confused, the woman came to the door and opened it. "May I have the baguette?," I asked weekly. She stared at me blankly. "Food," I said and motioned my hand to my mouth. Another blank stare and some words uttered in Phasa Lao. She opened the door a bit wider and let me in. I moved towards the pastry case and pointed at the baguette. "How much?," I asked. She was dumbfounded. The baguette had obviously been manhandled, but I didn't care. It was all I wanted. I tried several more times pointing at the baguette. But she wouldn't sell it to me. What was wrong with it? Why wouldn't she sell it to me? I was so hungry. So I turned away and wandered into the night. The baguette was probably later thrown out. Who knows...

Bus & Van

To arrive in Pakse by bus or van, travelers can access the town through well-connected transportation networks within Laos and from neighboring countries. From major cities in Laos, such as Vientiane or Luang Prabang, and even from neighboring countries like Thailand, travelers can opt for long-distance buses or minivans that operate scheduled routes to Pakse. Tickets can be purchased at bus stations, travel agencies, or sometimes directly from the operators. The journey's estimated duration varies depending on the departure location, but it typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours. The cost is budget-friendly, with prices varying based on the class of service and departure point, but it generally falls between $20 to $40 USD. Additionally, many guesthouses and accommodations in popular tourist destinations provide assistance in booking transportation to Pakse. Upon arrival, travelers are typically greeted by Pakse's central bus station, conveniently located in the town center, facilitating easy access to accommodations and various points of interest.

Plane

To arrive in Pakse by plane, travelers can book flights to Pakse International Airport (PKZ), which is well-connected to major cities in Laos and several international destinations. Airlines such as Lao Airlines and other regional carriers operate regular flights to Pakse. Upon arrival at Pakse International Airport, travelers will find convenient ground transportation options, including taxis and shuttle services, to reach the town center. The airport is situated approximately 3 to 5 kilometers from Pakse, ensuring a quick and hassle-free transfer. Flight durations and costs vary based on the departure location, with domestic flights within Laos generally taking around 1 to 2 hours. International flights from neighboring countries may have varying durations. Pakse International Airport provides a seamless entry point for those seeking to explore the charm of southern Laos, offering a comfortable and efficient travel experience. On certain days of the week, Lao Skyway offers low cost commercial flights between Vientiane and Pakse.