Things to see and do South

The dynasties extend their powers to eventually rule, as early as the 9th century, over the entire Khmer territory and choose Angkor as their capital. However, the Khmer rulers honoured this place until the reign of the last king, Jayavarman VII, in the 12th century, and laid the foundations at Wat Phou. Later, this shrine became Buddhist and has remained so to this day. Every year, at the end of January or beginning of February, a festival takes place at the time of the full moon which attracts crowds of the faithful.

This site is older than Angkor Wat (by about two centuries). Francis Garnier rediscovered the site in 1866; the villagers then thought it had been built by people of another race.

Inscriptions dating from the ^5th and 6th centuries mention the presence of a temple in the mountain, but this has disappeared and has been replaced by the present site. Vat Phou as we see it today was built in the first part of the 11th century. Extensions and renovations were carried out in the 13th century. The complex is oriented along an East-West axis, climbs a mountain and leads to the sanctuary, located on a terrace at the foot of the cliff where the sacred spring flows.

The barays and the alley. On entering the site one first sees two barays, artificial lakes representing the ocean that surrounds the land, and then a sandstone terrace. A brick-lined driveway leads to an esplanade where two buildings face each other.

The palaces, Nandi temple, and the old Khmer road. The two rectangular buildings with an inner courtyard have carved pediments, dating from the 11th century (Koh Ker period). From here a central alley lined with partly destroyed galleries leads to a staircase. On the side (south of the alley), one can admire the remains of a mid-11th century building known as the temple of Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva's mount. Then a high road leads to the Nang Sida temple via Ban That where there are three Khmer chapels, 30 km to the south, and ends at Angkor.

The stairs and the terrace. The first staircase leads to a terrace, then to a second staircase at the foot of which are two buildings dating from the 13th century. Now partly destroyed, they both contained a Dvarapala or gatekeeper. Only the one in the north is still visible: he holds a club in one hand, the other is placed on his heart as a sign of respect. It would be a representation of King Kammantha. From the top of the second staircase one reaches a third one... which leads to the penultimate terrace and its six brick towers, whose period of origin is uncertain (11th century?). They contained Shivalinga. From here you can see the vast upper terrace.

The source (basement). Behind the portico, a rock shelter would contain the sacred springs. Archaeological excavations carried out between 1991 and 1993 revealed several successive developments in this area whose function was the collection and conveyance of water to the sanctuary. This unique layout is what makes Vat Phou so special. In the past, a small temple embedded in the cliff sacralized the spring water. Behind were found bronze Khmer statuettes of Vishnu, a female deity and effigies of Buddha. The water from the spring was collected in a basin of green sandstone and bricks and brought to the sanctuary via an aqueduct.

Pedestals unearthed around the spring bear witness to the presence of statues that have now disappeared, probably Shivalinga.

The sanctuary. It is on the upper terrace that the main sanctuary was built in the mid-11th century. Like all Khmer temples, it has a library and is bordered on the west by a 13th century stepped portico with two doors leading to the sacred spring area.

In the rock supporting the portico, behind the sanctuary, a sculpture of Trimurti, the Hindu trinity (Shiva, centre; Brahma, right; Vishnu, left) can be seen. The sanctuary is accessed through three gates: south, east and north. At the back, there used to be a Shivalinga sprinkled with water from the spring. Note: the permanent watering of the lingam is something unique in the Khmer Hindu religion. This gives a special character to Vat Phou. On the exterior facades, one can see the guardians of the doors and the Devata, female deities. The doors are all carved and we see mostly representations of Krishna, Indra, Vishnu, Shiva and illustrations of the Ramayana. This sanctuary has been converted into a Buddhist temple and contains recent statues of Buddha.

To the north of the sanctuary, one can see recent monastic buildings and further on, carved rocks: an elephant, a crocodile and a snake (naga). They would date from the 13th century (or earlier). Perhaps a place of sacrifice during the festivities of Vat Phou... See also the remains of much older sandstone meditation cells (walls, pedestals). A Buddha's foot is carved into the rock.

Around Vat Phou, 1 km south of Nandi temple, you can visit the ruins of Nang Sida temple dating back to the early 12th century. Further on is the temple of Thao Tao from the beginning of the 13th century. It is more difficult to access. On the other bank of the river, on the banks of the Nam To Mo, are the remains of another temple dating from the 7th and 12th centuries.

The Li Phi Falls are close to Ban Khone, continuing westward, signs indicate the route. Once at the picnic area, you can walk along the edge of the rocks overlooking the waterfalls: nice viewpoint. It is advisable to go there one hour before sunset at the latest to have a nice light. Caution dangerous swimming at the small beach: risk of drowning due to strong currents.

On the other side of the Japanese bridge stands a large golden Buddha. You can reach it by road by tuk-tuk or scooter. The most courageous will park at the bottom and climb the 250 steps to the top. The interest of the site is its spectacular view on Paksé and the Mekong River. There is a peaceful atmosphere, conducive to meditation. Behind the Buddha is Wat Phousalao, a small and friendly temple where a monk will welcome you and offer you a blessing.

Built between 2001 and 2003 with Japanese funds, the museum is first and foremost an interpretation centre, presenting and deciphering the site and its history. Numerous explanatory panels allow visitors to learn more about the site and its surroundings. It also exhibits a collection of objects discovered during archaeological digs, architectural elements and sculptures. It is strongly recommended to visit the museum before discovering the site to better understand the particularities of Vat Phou.

The Tad Fane Waterfall, is located within the Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area (NBCA). It is probably the highest in Laos; it is made up of two arms plunging more than 120m. Please be aware that swimming is not permitted on the site. A sporty trek on a very steep and slippery dirt road - to be avoided during the rainy season! - will take you to the top of this waterfall: splendid view! It is possible to cross the site in the air using a zip line (about 40 US$). People prone to vertigo should refrain!

In dry season, from November to April, take 2 hours to reach this island by following the track. Alternatively, you can rent a canoe.

This lake is located 18 km east of Saravane. It is possible to go to touk touk but the road is quite bad. The place has a reputation for four crocodiles: but, curiously they are hard to see. In any case, it is a good opportunity to transport tourists through finance!

The Khone Phapheng Falls, a few kilometres from Don Khone, are the widest in Southeast Asia. They form a set of rapids, more or less violent, over 13 km and separate the two main Mekong diversion bays. The flow of these falls is one of the most powerful in the world! On site: gargotes, craft shops, and café. It's nice to get there early in the morning and have lunch at The View. Beautiful light on the bubbling waters at the end of the afternoon.

The waterfall is formed by water runoff on the slopes of Phu Luang Mountain, located 15 km from Sanam Xai. This waterfall is part of the Sanam Xai district. The best way to get there is to take a songteo to Ban Mai, 35 km from Attapeu, then a boat. The second option is to go there on a fairly easy trek from Ban Lanyao, a small community of the Oy ethnic group. Don't forget your camera! Not far away, the lake of Nong Lom is a perfect place for a picnic.

48 km from Attapeu is the Samanxai district. A superb guided tour to discover the waterfalls of the region is possible, either by trek or by boat. Departure from Attapeu with a qualified guide. You will make a stopover around the small Nonglom lake before reaching Ban Mai, on the banks of the Xe Pian river. This village is inhabited by the Oy ethnic community. You are in the heart of the protected area of Xe Pian (more easily accessible from the Champassak province) which contains beautiful waterfalls. Indeed, 10 km from Ban Mai, the Huay Samong River forms a waterfall about twenty meters wide that flows into the Xe Pian River on 10 meters high, it is Tad Samongphak. It will be necessary to cross the river (2,000 kips per person, 3,000 kips per motorcycle, but it is preferable to go on foot).

Not far from it, Tad Saepha (6 km from Ban Saepha) is 23 m high and 120 m wide. It is also accessible by boat or on foot from Ban Mai. Tad Phaphong is another waterfall formed by the Xe Xou River. Finally, Tad Saeponglai is another beautiful waterfall located 6 km north of Tad Saepha (by boat count 40 000 kips per person).

The best way to discover these falls is to go on a trek with a local guide. Information and reservations at the tourist office or Attapeu Travel. You can opt for an excursion of 1 to 5 days. Ecotourism is developing in the region and it is possible to stay with local people in a village.

In the heart of a luxuriant forest, the Yuang waterfalls, also called Tad Gneuang, are less dizzying than those of Tad Fane, but the site is better developed and they are more easily accessible. Shops, restaurants and craft shops are set up after the entrance portico. From there, a staircase leads to the foot of Tad Yuang Falls. A small promontory makes it possible to appreciate its splendour. They are formed by two torrents that flow more than 40 m high. It is possible to swim at the foot of the falls, but be careful with the current!

These waterfalls, also called Tad Faed, are easily accessible from Sekong. They are located just after the Tad Hua Khon Falls. To get there, take road 11 south and turn off at km 14 (a sign indicates the falls: 2 km away). The falls are 5 m high and have their source in the Se Nam Noi River, not far from the Sekong River. It is strongly advised against swimming in the natural pools at the foot of the waterfalls. Small restaurants, open until 5pm, offer drinks and meals.

Framed by a young dynamic team speaking fairly well English, you will find a printed map of the city, the timetables for transport and, above all, information about the proposed trekkings in the region in the context of ecotourism and guided by residents of traditional villages trained.

Find out about planned travel (depending on the number of participants) and book your place.

At least one person speaks English. Here you will find practical information (transport schedules, city map…) and excursions to the region: visits to villages inhabited by ethnic minorities, coffee plantations at the Plateau des Bolovens, hiking in the protected national area of Xe Pian. The tourism office deals with the organization in collaboration with the local guides, but the participants need to be enough to make a start. There is also a tourist office in the Champassak Palace. You will find a good welcome and people who speak French.

These beautiful 7 m high (and 100 m wide) falls are also called Tad Se Noy. Tad Hua Khon means "falls of human heads" because during the war, the Japanese threw the heads of Lao resistance fighters into the falls and beheaded them. Laotians now come there at weekends to picnic and bathe. The water is sometimes up to 10 meters deep, ideal for good swimmers, a little less for others... To get there, take road 16 to km 16 and cross the bridge... The waterfalls are close by.