Pakse

Pakse

Pakse (Pakse), the largest commercial city in southern Laos, a hub for waterway transportation, and the capital of Champasak Province. The urban area of Pakse covers approximately 10 square kilometers, with a population of over 40,000, making it the third-largest city in Laos. Situated at the northern edge of the lowest-altitude Pakse Plain in Laos, the city is bordered to the south by the Mekong River, while the Xe Don River encircles it to the north and west. National Highway 13 runs through the city from the north. Located where the Mekong River meets its tributary, the Se Don River, in southern Laos, Pakse was established by the French in 1905. As the region was under the rule of the Khmer Angkor Empire between the 10th and 13th centuries, it is home to remnants of the ancient Khmer capital. Major attractions include: 1. Wat Phou: Located 45 kilometers southwest of the city center, it is the most famous religious site in southern Laos. This Khmer-style stone temple was built in 949 AD by the son of a Khmer king. In front of the main entrance once stood a pavilion, behind which were two pools used for royal festivities.