Pakse was founded and administrated as an outpost by the French in 1905 and was the capital of the Lao Kingdom of Champasak until 1946, when the Kingdom of Laos was formed.

This city used to serve as the primary seat and residence to Prince Boun Oum Na Champassak, who played an important role in the Laotian Civil War. The Champasak Palace was built by him but was not completed as he needed to flee in 1974. One year later, the Palace fell to Pathet Lao forces.

Since then, Pakse has grown to be an economic power within Laos. The bridge over the Mekong connecting Thailand and Pakse has helped the city better integrate with it surrounding countries.

Pakse has three seasons:

- Cold-dry (November to January)

During the cold-dry season, the average temperature is around 29C with the temperature dropping as low as 20C and soaring as high as 33C. The coldest month will be in January. This season is the best time to visit Pakse due to its comfortable and cool temperature. However, be warned that temperature usually starts to drop after sunset, so please bring along something warm to wear.

- Hot-dry (February to April)

During the hot-dry season, the average temperature is around 32C with the temperature reaching a minimum of 22C and a maximum of 38C. Do bring along some sunblock and umbrella to keep yourself cool and to prevent sunburns. It is also advisable to stay hydrated.

- Rainy season (May to October)

During this season, the average temperature is around 28.2C with the temperature reaching as high as 38C during the early part of the season. The temperature may also reach as low as 20C as it approaches the cold-dry season. Rainfall will be the heaviest in August and September. It is best to bring along an umbrella during this season.

By air

Pakse International Airport is the third of the three international airports in Lao PDR. International flights to Pakse are not daily occurrences, unlike in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but there are still options from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and Bangkok in Thailand.

Here is an overview of possible flight connections for you. 

From Ho Chi Minh - Vietnam

From Bangkok - Thailand

Domestic flights from Vientiane

Domestic flight from Luang Prabang 

Transportation from Provinces to Pakse             

Transportation from Pakse to Provinces   

Getting around Champasak

Song taews and tuk tuks can be hired to travel around Champasak. You can also approach any district bus stations, your guesthouse or hotel to arrange transportation around the province.

If you would like to travel by boat, you can join a Mekong River luxury cruise which brings you along the Mekong River. There are also many tour operators that can arrange a tour for you around Champasak. For Independent travelers, motorcycles, bicycles, and cars can be rented in the province too.