Host to a variety of sights and attractions, Champasak province in Laos is an unforgettable destination for any traveller. Known for its natural beauty and historical offerings, the southern Laotian province provides a welcome and peaceful relief from the more bustling urban centers of Southeast Asia, while at the same time offering a host of fascinating sites and appealing natural attractions. The province is also home to the ancient ruins of Wat Phu, a dramatic Khmer style temple well known for its archeological importance.

The province is also home to a number of protected areas, which allow visitors to revel in the region's untouched natural beauty and engage in a variety of ecotourism activities. In the Xe Pian National Protected Area, considered by many to be one of the most important biodiversity concentrations in the entire Southeast Asia region, travellers can partake in a wide range of activities, from half-day elephant treks to day-long archaeological expeditions. Village guides are also sometimes known to impart their wisdom regarding the local herbs and medicinal techniques used by the local communities in the area. The socially conscious traveller can even opt to stay in quaint yet comfortable community-operated bungalow in an authentic Laotian village, providing an unforgettable experience that blends cultural immersion with natural retreat.

For those in search of an adventure, guided treks (some lasting as long as several days) can be arranged into the deepest parts of the surrounding jungle, where gibbons and rare birds are a regular sight. Champasak province also plays host to Laos' famous Four Thousand Islands, a series of islets on the Mighty Mekhong River, some of which now have tourism facilities. Unknown to many people, this remote province also boasts the largest series of waterfalls and rapids in the world. The rafting and kayaking here is truly world-class, and some of the waterfalls can stretch up to 14 km wide. The observant rafter might even get to see rare Irawaddy fresh water dolphins during the trip.

The list of attractions in Champasak province extends to the Bolaven Plateau, which rises more than 1500 km above sea level and is home to plantations that grow some of the best coffee in the world. Visitors can even purchase the local beans from villagers along the road, who are always happy to see fresh faces and welcome visitors with a gentle smile. The unparalleled natural beauty, overwhelming natural wealth and hospitable people make Champasak a province that's not to be missed.

Pakse is served by a small international airport and also connected to Thailand by a bridge over the Mekong River. The Thai city of Ubon Ratchatani has buses, trains and planes that link with Bangkok, only a 2 hour bus journey away depending on border formalities.

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