Tad Tayicseua Waterfalls in Attapeu province
Tad Tayicseua Waterfalls in Attapeu province
Photo by : Danou

Destinations

Attapeu

Attapeu is the province located in the most Southeastern tip of Laos. It is also best known for the Bolaven Plateau, sharing borders with Sekong in the North, Champasak in the West, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia in the South.

One can find many ethnic groups peoples in Attapeu. Nine major tribes are in Attapeu: Alak, Katang, Kaleum, Katou, Suay, Nge, Lavae, Ta Oy, and Nyajeung. The capital town, Samakkhixay, is built in a large picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Attapeu Province is rugged, wild and very scenic. Parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail can be explored from Attapeu, although using a local guide is essential. In the early morning you can visit the traditional market, where many different minorities go to buy and sell their products.

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Brief History

Attapeu province used to be part of Lane Xang Kingdom during King Saysethathirath reign. Before being controlled by the Kingdom, it was a territory filled with wild buffaloes, giving the territory its name “Idkabue” which means buffalo droppings.

This name was interpreted as “Attepeu” by the French colonialists which remain as its name till today.

The National Liberation Front formed its headquarters at Attapeu during the initial Indochinese War. It was mostly destroyed after the war with remnants found in some Ho Chi Minh Road. However, they were able to secure the province and liberate it from French rule on 28 April 1970. This province was quoted as the Land of Heroism for playing an important role in the Laos revolution.

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Overall Weather

Attapeu has three seasons

- Cool-dry (November to February). In this period, the average temperature hovers around 29C. Temperature may drop as low as 17C especially during the coldest month, January. Temperature may soar as high as 38C as it approaches the end of the cold-dry period and into the beginning of the hot-dry period. Please take note that the temperature here drops rapidly especially after sunset and it is advisable to bring along warm clothing to stay warm. This period is the best time to visit the province due to its comfortable and cool temperature.

- Hot-dry (March to April). During this period, the average temperature hovers around 33C. Temperature may soar as high as 39C and drop as low as 21C especially in the beginning of the period. Small showers may be observed during this period and it would be good to bring along an umbrella or raincoat to guard against the rain. A good place to visit and cool down would be the waterfalls. It is advisable to stay hydrated and under shade.

- Rainy season (May to October). During this season, the average temperature hovers around 27C and is usually lower during the second half of the season. Temperature may soar as high as 37C especially during the beginning of the season as it is just after the hot-dry period. Temperature may also drop as low as 17C as it approaches the end of the season, signifying that the cool-dry period is starting soon. Rain can be observed throughout this season and is usually heaviest in August and September. It is advisable to bring along an umbrella or raincoat to keep yourselves dry. Do take note that the rocks at the waterfall may be wet and slippery due to the rain, it is advisable to be extra careful as you visit the waterfall.

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Flights to Pakse

As there is no flight directly to Attapeu, the nearest airport would be Pakse International Airport

From Siemreap - Cambodia

14:40 pm

15:40 pm

  Lao Airlines 514                            

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W

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F

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  REP-PKZ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

12:00 pm

13:35 pm

  Lao Airlines 516                            

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T

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T

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  SGN-PKZ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Bangkok - Thailand

12:50 pm

14:20 pm

 

  Bangkok Airways 4137                            

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W

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F

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  BKK-PKZ

12:50 pm

14:20 pm

 

  Lao Airlines 224

S

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W

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F

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  BKK-PKZ

 

Domestic flights from Luang Prabang

10:40 am

12:20 pm

  Lao Airlines 513                            

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  LPQ-PKZ

 

Domestic flights from Vientiane

07:50 am

09:05 am 

  Lao Airlines 515

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-

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  VTE-PKZ

08:00 am

09:15 am

  Lao Airlines 305                            

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F

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  VTE-PKZ

15:30 pm

16:45 pm

  Lao Skyway 216

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F

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  VTE-PKZ

15:30 pm

16:45 pm 

  Hahn Air Systems H16470

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F

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  VTE-PKZ

16:00 pm

17:15 pm

  Lao Airlines 303

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  VTE-PKZ

 

Domestic flights from Savannakhet

09:35 am

10:05 am

  Lao Airlines 223                            

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  ZVK-PKZ

 

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Public Bus details in Attapeu

Transportation from other Provinces to Attapeu

Departure

Destination

Kind of Bus

Distance

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Pakse

Attapeu Province

Local

 

07:00am

08:00am

09:00am

11:30am

45,000 Kip

Southern Bus Station

VIP

 

15:15pm

55,000 Kip

 

Express

 

07:30am

08:30am

09:30am

10:30am

11:30am

50,000 Kip

Sengchalern Bus

 

Transportation from Attapeu to other Provinces

Departure

Destination

Kind of Bus

Distance

Departure Time

price*

Remark

Attapeu

Pakse

Local bus

 

06:10am

06:55am

07:40am

40,000 Kip

This bus goes to Pakse to, pleas enquire directly with bus operators for price

VIP 1 bus

 

15:00am

16:00am

60,000 Kip

VIP 2 bus

 

08:25am

10:30am

11:30am

12:30pm

60,000 Kip

Salavan

Local bus

 

09:00am

14:00pm

50,000 Kip

 

Sekong

Local bus

 

06:10am

06:55am

07:40am

10:30am

20,000 Kip

 

Vientiane

Local bus

 

08:25am

140,000 Kip

 

VIP 1 bus

 

15:00pm

16:00pm

220,000 Kip

 

VIP 2 bus

 

11:30am

12:30pm

170,000 Kip

 

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Getting around in Attapeu

Getting around in Attapeu       

There are 3 main transports in Attapeu which are tuk tuks, attapeu taxi and your own vehicles. The best mode of transport to get around Attapeu is your own vehicle like bicycle, motorbike or car. However, only off-road motorcycles can bring you to explore the rural roads that lead into the hinterlands.