Things to do in Bolaven Plateau
Discover the best attractions and experiences Bolaven Plateau has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the historic treasures scattered around the Bolaven Plateau and southern Laos, including ancient temple ruins and traditional town centers.
Vat Phou (Wat Phou)
An ancient Khmer temple complex set on a hillside with lush Mekong views.
Wat Luang (Pakse)
The main Buddhist temple in Pakse, reflecting local religious architecture.
Museums
Learn about the region’s culture and history through small local museums and exhibitions.
Pakse Local Museum
Displays on local history, culture, and everyday life in Pakse.
Champasak Provincial Museum
Artifacts and stories from the Champasak region.
Religious Monuments
Sacred sites you can visit to appreciate Lao Buddhist architecture and spiritual spaces.
Vat Phou (Wat Phou)
Continues to be a major religious site and UNESCO-listed temple complex.
Wat Luang (Pakse)
A central temple featuring classic Lao temple design and peaceful courtyards.
National & Theme Parks
Bolaven Plateau is renowned for dramatic nature and protected areas that make great day trips.
Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area
A vast protected area with forests, wildlife, and forest trails.
Tad Fane Waterfall
A spectacular multi-tiered waterfall framed by evergreen cliffs.
Tad Yuang Waterfall
A powerful waterfall with a scenic pool and surrounding trails.
Neighborhoods
Explore the towns and neighborhood corners that form the Bolaven Plateau’s gateway towns.
Pakse Old Town
Historic center with markets, temples, and riverside streets.
Don Daeng Riverside area (Pakse)
Quieter riverside neighborhoods with views over the Xe Don.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy natural beauty and local life without an entry fee in the Bolaven region.
Viewpoints along the Bolaven Plateau
Hike or drive to scenic lookouts for panoramic plateaulandscapes.
Pakse Morning Market stroll
Wander among fresh produce, local snacks, and crafts.
Xe Don riverbank walk at sunset
Peaceful riverside stroll with Mekong views.
Gastronomy
Taste the local flavors, especially Bolaven coffee and Lao city specialties.
Bolaven coffee tasting
Sample highland Lao coffee varieties grown on the plateau.
Pakse Night Market bites
Try Lao street foods and local snacks along the river.
Khao Piak Sen at a riverside cafe
Enjoy a comforting Lao noodle soup in a scenic setting.
Nightlife
Relaxed evenings along the Mekong with bars and markets nearby.
Pakse riverside bars
Casual spots with views and local vibes after dark.
Pakse Night Market
Markets come alive in the evening with food and crafts.
Entertainment
Experience Lao culture through traditional performances and music.
Traditional Lao dance performances
Evening shows at guesthouses or cultural venues.
Local live music sessions
Informal gigs featuring Lao songs and rhythms.
Sports
Outdoor adventures on land and water in the plateau.
Kayaking on the Xe Don River
Gentle river paddling with scenic riverside scenery.
Hiking to waterfalls and viewpoints
Clear trails lead to waterfall overlooks and forest paths.
Mountain biking on Bolaven Plateau roads
Ride through coffee farms and lush scenery.
Off the Track
Go beyond the main sights to meet local communities and farms.
Visit remote hill-tribe villages around Paksong
Experience daily life and hillside cultures.
Tour coffee farms off the beaten path
See processing and drying steps at small plantations.
Exploring lesser-known waterfall paths
Trek to quieter falls away from the main routes.