Pakse
— The southern gateway.
"Where the Mekong expands to unimaginable widths, leading into the mystical 4,000 Islands and the ancient, pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou."
- Wat Phou ancient temple
- Bolaven Plateau waterfalls
- Coffee plantations
- Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) access
At Pakse, the Mekong expands into something entirely different. It is the southern gateway to a region where the river fractures into the mystical 'Four Thousand Islands' (Si Phan Don). Here, the water ceases to be a single, definable entity and becomes an entire landscape of its own.
Pakse itself is a quiet, unassuming town, but it sits at the threshold of immense natural and historical power. It is the starting point for journeys to the pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou, where ancient stone temples cling to the slopes of a sacred mountain, overlooking the vast floodplains.
The energy of the river here is raw and untamed, rushing over the dramatic Khone Phapheng Falls. For the traveler, Pakse represents the transition into the deep, mystical south of Laos, where the boundaries between water, earth, and ancient spirituality completely blur.
Journeys featuring Pakse
Our travel artisans can tailor any itinerary to spend more time discovering the secrets of Pakse.
Ships Sailing Pakse
Discover the exquisite vessels that navigate these waters, offering unparalleled luxury and intimate access to the region's hidden wonders.
Anouvong
Named after the last king of Vientiane, the Anouvong carries a quiet nobility through the upper Mekong. The slow bends of the Laotian river suit her temperament — unhurried, golden, and impossibly serene.
Bohème
The Bohème attracts a certain kind of traveller — curious, unhurried, with a sketchpad or a camera never far from hand. She moves through Laos's most painterly stretches of river with the spirit of an artist and the comfort of a luxury vessel.
Mekong Pearl
The Mekong Pearl navigates the upper river with elegance — 18 well-appointed cabins, a generous sundeck, and guides who have been walking these villages for years. Laos's ancient rhythm becomes your own.
Laos Pandaw
A classic Pandaw vessel built to the original 1947 blueprint — all teak and brass, with the open veranda decks that let the Laotian breeze in at all hours. Her itineraries reach the remote northern stretches most ships never attempt.
