Many who visit comment that Laos seems to be one of the most relaxed countries on earth, and many of those may have only been to northern Laos. Just when you think Laos couldn’t get any more relaxed, head south, and as if the locals are entranced by the vast plains surrounding the lower Mekong, everything moves at a snail’s pace.
Champasak is an enchanting province. Pakse is its capital, a typical Laos town, with the juxtaposition of French shop-houses next to ornate Buddhist temples. Champasak town is a very slow-paced town on the banks of the Mekong , with dirt roads where you are as likely to see buffalo roaming as you are a car. Highlights included the impressive Wat Phou temple; an Ankgorian temple where you are free to roam without the crowds of Angkor Wat.
Of course, much of the draw is the charm of the mighty Mekong river, and we would suggest staying on one of the many islands in the river. We would highly recommend La Folie, a charming lodge on the small river island of Don Daeng, The rooms are tastefully in-keeping with the surroundings, and the lodge has a lovely pool perfect for surveying the stunning scenery from when the heat of the day really bites.
