CHAMPASAK TRAVEL GUIDE

Champasak is a province of Southern Laos. It's best known for a series of Khmer ruins, collectively named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the Champasak Cultural Landscape.

Understand

Set in stunning natural surroundings, Vat Phou, the ancient Khmer temple complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the main attraction in the area, but there is much more to be discovered. It is worth staying in the charming town of Champasak where you can discover French colonial buildings, Buddhist temples, or simply enjoy an evening in the Shadow Puppet Theatre. You could also take a relaxing massage at the Spa or take a boat to the Mekong island of Don Daeng to relax in its tranquil environment and discover local village life on a bicycle.

Most places in Champasak, including Wat Phou, can be visited as day trips from Pakse.

See

· Wat Phu (Vat Phou). A c. 12th century Hindu temple built in the days of the Khmer Empire in the style of Angkor. The temple is still in use as a Buddhist site. The park is only open during certain hours (such as 9am to 4:30 pm.). 50,000 Kip for temple and museum and 15,000 for golf car (the entrance gate is far from the temple about 800 metres).

· Wat Nang sida 2 km from Wat Phu on the ancient road to Angkor Wat. Big ruins with massive big stones under reconstruction.

Thao-Tao ruins of medium size temple 1km from the previous one, difficult access on dirt road and forest. To Mo ruins on the other side of the Mekong. Lingaparvata sacred mountain (1416mt.). The top has a natural stone lingam of 10mt which can be seen from the bottom of Wat Phu. Impossible to reach the top, maybe with 2-3 days trek.

All these sites have the status of UNESCO world heritage.

· Khone waterfalls on the border with Cambodia.