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Southern Laos

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Ruins of Wat Phou (Vat Phu), former Khmer Hindu temple complex.

©Paul Biris/Getty Images

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Overview

Southern Laos is dominated by the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile highland that spreads over four of the region’s provinces. It is the site of Laos’ thriving coffee plantations and also many of the region’s beautiful waterfalls.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Vat Phou or Wat Phu in Champasak, Southern Laos.

    Wat Phu Champasak

    Southern Laos

    Bucolic Wat Phu sits in graceful decrepitude, and while it lacks the arresting enormity of Angkor in Cambodia, given its few visitors and more dramatic…

  • Uo Moung

    Uo Moung

    Southern Laos

    The Khmer temple ruin of Uo Moung, beside a small tributary of the Mekong, is believed to have been built late in the 9th century during the reign of the…

  • Se Pian NPA

    Se Pian NPA

    Southern Laos

    Se Pian NPA is one of the most important protected areas in Laos. The 2400-sq-km park boasts small populations of Asiatic black bears, yellow-cheeked…

  • Wat Muang Kang

    Wat Muang Kang

    Southern Laos

    About 5km south of town along the Mekong stands the oldest active temple in Champasak, and one of the most interesting in southern Laos. The soaring Thai…

  • Phu Xieng Thong NPA

    Phu Xieng Thong NPA

    Southern Laos

    Spread over 1200 sq km in Champasak and Salavan Provinces, Phu Xieng Thong NPA is most accessible about 50km upriver from Pakse. The area has a sometimes…

  • Muang Kao

    Muang Kao

    Southern Laos

    Where the road to Wat Phu turns away from the Mekong, the remains of the Champasak's ancient city ('Muang Kao') begin. Founded in the mid-5th century by…

  • Champasak Historical Heritage Museum

    Champasak Historical Heritage Museum

    Pakse

    Highlights here include ancient bronze drums, stone carvings unearthed up on the Bolaven Plateau, stelae with Tham script dating from the 15th to 18th…

  • Hong Nang Sida

    Hong Nang Sida

    Southern Laos

    An easy 2km walk to the south of Wat Phu – follow the signs from near the main gate – stands Nang Sida temple, which probably dates from the middle of the…

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