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Weather in Pakse
Mekong confluence town gateway to the south
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About Pakse
This southern Mekong confluence town sits where the Se Don and Mekong rivers meet, creating one of Laos' most strategic and picturesque river locations. Pakse serves as the main gateway to southern Laotian attractions—the Bolaven Plateau, Khmer temples, and fishing communities dot surrounding waterways. The town maintains relaxed character while offering island adventures.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, November, December
Things to do in Pakse
Take sunset boat tours on Mekong River
Visit coffee plantations on Bolaven Plateau
Explore nearby Khmer temple ruins
Visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall cascade
Shop Pakse's river market produce
Stay in guesthouses with river views
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
32C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
33C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
April
34C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
May
32C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
September
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
November
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
Recommended
December
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Pakse is southern Laos's main transport hub — a low-key Mekong-side town that's less a destination in itself than the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau's waterfalls and coffee plantations, the Wat Phou temple ruins, and the slow-paced islands of Si Phan Don further south. Most travellers pass through for a night before heading out to the surrounding highlands.
Best areas to stay in Pakse
Pakse town centre
The compact riverside core with the morning market, guesthouses and restaurants along the Mekong.
Bolaven Plateau
Highland coffee-growing region accessible via the Bolaven Loop, with waterfalls and minority village homestays.
Wat Phou
A UNESCO-listed pre-Angkorian temple complex on the slopes of a sacred mountain, south of the town.
Champasak
A quiet riverside town near Wat Phou with French colonial buildings and a relaxed pace.
Getting to Pakse
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Flights
Pakse International Airport has domestic connections to Vientiane and limited regional flights from Bangkok and Siem Reap.
⏱
From London
~14-16 hours from London via Bangkok plus a domestic flight or long bus journey.
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Getting around
Tuk-tuks cover the town; rented motorbikes are the most popular way to do the Bolaven Loop, and buses connect to Si Phan Don and Champasak.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Pakse itself?
Not a huge amount — a riverside market, a couple of colonial-era buildings and Wat Luang temple — most visitors use it as a base for day trips or the Bolaven Loop.
What is the Bolaven Loop?
A multi-day motorbike or bicycle route through the Bolaven Plateau's coffee farms, ethnic minority villages and waterfalls including Tad Fane and Tad Lo.
How do I get to Wat Phou from Pakse?
Wat Phou, a pre-Angkorian Khmer temple complex, is about 40km south of Pakse and reachable by bus, tuk-tuk or hired car in under an hour.
Is Pakse a good base for Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)?
It's the nearest transport hub, with buses taking around 2-2.5 hours to reach the river port for boats to Don Det and Don Khon.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February offers the driest, coolest weather for exploring the plateau and waterfalls; the wet season makes some loop roads muddy.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Pakse itself is just a stopover, but the Bolaven Loop we did from here over three days on rented bikes was one of the best things we did in Laos.
Joe R. · December 2023
★★★★★
Wat Phou was a peaceful, much less crowded alternative to Angkor and easily done as a half-day trip from Pakse.
Mai L. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Used Pakse as a stepping stone to the 4000 Islands — bus connections were straightforward and the riverside market made for a good evening wander.
Stefan K. · November 2024
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