One of the highlights of Champasak is the UNESCO-listed Wat Phu temple complex, a Khmer temple dating back to the 5th century. Don't miss the Bolaven Plateau, which features traditional villages, coffee plantations, and stunning waterfalls. Other natural attractions you shouldn't miss include the Khone Phapheng Waterfall and the Si Phan Don archipelago in the Mekong River.

Three days are enough to see the best that Champasak has to offer, using Pakse as your home base. On the first day, go to the Wat Phu temple complex first thing in the morning, then spend the rest of the day exploring other attractions that interest you. On the second day, visit the Bolaven Plateau, which is about an hour's drive from Pakse. On your last day in this province, spend the whole day exploring Si Phan Don and the Khone Phapheng Waterfall, which are only 30 minutes apart.

The best time to visit Champasak is in January, as it is the driest month of the year. You will also have the opportunity to experience the Wat Phu Festival, which is typically held in late January or early February. Overall, the dry season (November to April) is ideal for visiting, as it is more suitable for exploring outdoor attractions like Wat Phu and the waterfalls. Meanwhile, heavy rains during the rainy season (May to October) can affect your travel plans.

The fastest way to travel from Vientiane to Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province, is by plane. Direct flights from Wattay International Airport to Pakse International Airport take 1–1.5 hours, depending on the airline. Alternatively, you can take a bus for about 13 hours. You can make the long journey a little more comfortable by taking a sleeper bus and leaving at night.

Make sure to try traditional Lao dishes when you’re in Champasak. Some of the must-try dishes include larb (minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad), and mok pa (steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves). For a snack, try the flavorful Lao sausages from the street vendors along the road to Wat Phu.