Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos

Attapeu is the province located in the most southeastern tip of Laos. It is also the best know for the Bolaven Plateau, sharing borders with Sekong in the North, Champasack in the West, Viet Nam in the East and Cambodia in the South. The Bolaven Plateau is located in the Champasack Province and easily accessed from Pakse. Attapeu is where one can find many minority peoples. Nine major tribes are in Attapu: Alak, Katang, Kaleum, Katou, Suay, Nge, Lave, Tahoy, Nyajeung. The capital town, samakkhixay is built in a large picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and the loop upstream. Attapeu Province is rugged, wild and very scenic. Transportation is very difficult, especially by land in the rainy season. Parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail can be explored from Attapeu, although using a local guide is essential. In the early morning you can visit the traditional market, where many different minorities go to buy and sell their products.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Attapeu is from November to March, this time is considered to be the dry season. 

Start from May to October, the rain will take place throughout the region. July to September would rain the most. It is a scenic province of rock and valley, rivers, and forests when travel is difficult in the monsoon season. As a result, the period between May and October is a decidedly low season.

Check the below table for the general idea of Attapeu weather throughout the year.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 31.6 24.7 18.1
Feb 33.7 27.4 21.3
Mar 35.1 29.4 23.9
Apr 35.5 30 25.1
May 33.6 29.2 25.2
Jun 32.1 28.4 25.1
Jul 31.2 27.7 24.5
Aug 30.9 27.4 24.4
Sep 30.9 27.3 24.1
Oct 31.7 27.1 23.2
Nov 32.1 26.6 21.6
Dec 31.7 25.4 19.3

Attapeu's current weather and 7-day forecast

ATTAPEU WEATHER

Attapeu is not a dynamic, crowded province, but a place to impress visitors with cultural places. Here are the places you can not miss when visiting Attapeu.

Temples

Laos is famous as the land of Buddism, so there are many temples in Laos. Visit one of Attapeu’s few Buddhist Temples. Vat Pha Saysettha and Stupa is the most renowned and is easy to reach from Attapeu Town. The religious site was built in 1577 in honour of Lane Xang King Sayasetthathirath, who died nearby.

Ancient Vat Sakhae houses the sacred Buddha image of Ongsene. Even older stands Kavanghine Place, a rock structure in Phouvong believed to have been constructed during the legendary Muang Chueng era. 

Lake and waterfall 

Nong Fa Lake

Located a 3-day walk from Sanxay District in the northeast of Attapeu. Situated amid serene natural beauty and fenced by peaks of mountains. This virgin lake has all year round sky blue water.

Tad Saephe Waterfall

This waterfall is located in Xepaine Forest is 61 kilometers from Samakkhixay District. 23 meters height and 120 meters width.

Attapeu Ecotourism

The province of Attapeu is known for its rivers, namely the Xe Kong, Xe Kaman and Xe Xou rivers. You can travel the Xe Kong River along the border of Cambodia and then up the Xe Pian River to access Xe Pian National Protected Area. A remote and little known crater lake, called Nong Fa, the largest crater lake (and perhaps the only one) in the country, has beautiful clear waters and is surrounded by pine forests. The eastern slopes of Bolaven Plateau in Attapeu are heavily forested and support various wildlife species; much of the forests are protected by provincial protected areas.

Dong Amphan Protected Area

Access is mainly limited to dry season only. The lowland evergreen, semi-evergreen, is mixed with deciduous and dry dipterocarp forests. Coniferous and broadleaf woodland, hill evergreen and semi-evergreen and fagaceous forests. Dong Amphan is situated in the Annamite Chain that runs along the Lao and Vietnamese border. These mountains are steep and rugged and give rise to numerous streams and rivers, which create small floodplain areas. The Nong Fa or crater lake is situated within the boundaries of the NPA. Elevation ranges from ca.120m to 2,052 m at Phou Pengmun. This protected area is also home of Douc langur and buff-cheeked , gibbon,fishing cat Asiatic golden cat, clouded , leopard and tiger. Gaur, Trong Song muntjac and small populations of Asian elephants. There are a total of 280 bird species including Siamese fireback, crested argus and the woolly-necked stork & rufous-winged buzzard.

Pottery In Ban Thahine

Different families in Ban Thahine perform all stages of the pottery making process from collecting the earth to firing and glazing the vases. The tradition of producing pottery has been carried on for generations and the vases serve various purposes; the larger ones for holding water and the smaller vases are often used for holding Lao hai, a traditional alcoholic rice beverage. The glazes used for decorating and coloring the pots are produced from natural forest products, usually a mixture of leaves and ashes that are applied to the pottery before firing, which leave beautiful hues and designs on the finished product.

Xe Pian Protected Area

The Xe Pian Protected Area covers a part of Attapeu and Champasak Provinces. The main access is by road No. 13 running from China to Cambodia. South of Pakse at Km. 48 route No. 6 crosses, running east along the northern boundary of the NBCA. The major wide life in this area includes Tiger, banteng, irrawaddy, dolphin, Asian elephant, gaur, sun bear, Asiatic black bear, yellow-checked crested gibbon. The Xe Pian-Dong Hua Sao NPA gibbon population is of major global conservation significance. Xe Pian has the highest number of birds recorded for any NPA. Seven of these species have not been recorded in any other protected area in Laos. Important species include the giant ibis, black ibis, sarus crane, white-winged duck and the white rumped, long billed and red headed vulture. The forest types include evergreen, mixed-evergreen and deciduous. Terrain is hilly and low with extensive areas of flat lands in the east and south at an altitude of 150 – 300 m. The Xe Kong plains in the east are dissected by three main rivers – the Xe Pian, Xe Khampho and near the northern and eastern perimeters.Xe Kong and contain numerous mainly seasonal wetlands. Drainage is largely south to Cambodia and north to the northern wetlands.

Stay in a quiet garden setting or a room with a refreshing Xe Kong Riverview in Attapeu Town.

Most of the province’s 12 hotels and 46 guesthouses sit in the town’s centre, a 2.5-km protrusion into the Xe Kong’s flow.

Paved roads and a choice of transportation from neighbouring Champasak, Salavan, and Sekong province lead to Attapeu Town, on the eastern edge of the Bolaven Plateau and close to waterfalls and a jungle boat ride.   

Hotel prices run around $30-45, while you can find a clean and comfortable guesthouse for less than $10. Bigger rooms with some charm are closer to $15. Many accommodations are decked out in wood panelling, with rooms opening to balconies and fresh air. 

Facilities vary, and your choice often depends on your needs as well as price. While hotels tend to offer in-room Wi-Fi, not all guesthouses do, and it’s best check before booking. Almost all rooms have satellite TVs (with few if any Western channels), hot-water showers, and air conditioning, though less expensive fan rooms are available.

Some hotels have restaurants, though most selections are Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese. Several guesthouses offer complimentary coffee in their lobbies. A handful of establishments have staff who speak some English, Thai, French, and German.

The Siamphone Guesthouse

The Siamphone Guesthouse offers six rooms with showers in a quiet section of town.

The Vang Nam Yean Hung Huan

The Vang Nam Yean Hung Huan provides five clean and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi in Attapeu’s parkland.

The Phetsukxay 1

Located in a scenic parkland area of Attapeu, The Phetsukxay 1 offers six clean and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and other amenities and facilities.

Dokchampa Hotel Attapeu

Dokchampa Hotel Attapeu sits in the picturesque Attapeu countryside with facilities including a restaurant, bicycle and car rentals, and laundry service. The comfortable air-conditioned rooms are equipped with clean bathrooms, refrigerators, and cable TVs.

The Alounsotsay Hotel

The Alounsotsay Hotel offers clean and comfortable air-con and fan rooms, set in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kiengnoi Attapeu

Many of the eateries in Attapeu are drinking spots or hot-pot shops. This is a solid rice-and-curry joint that sells just about everything and the quality is good. Because it is ah-hăhn đahm sang (food to order), you can mix-and-match or order things that aren't on the menu. The owner is a friendly lady who takes pride in her cooking.
Hours: 7am-10pm
Price: mains 20,000-50,000K

Huean Phae Nang Gulap

It's a bit of a climb down the stairs to get to this floating 'raft restaurant', but 'Ms Rose's Raft' is great for a sundowner with beautiful views. The food is good. Just order any common Lao or Thai dish and they can probably make it. The spicy đôm sòm with fish (labelled as 'a sweet and sour soup') is a good choice.
Hours: 9am-11pm
Price: mains 20,000-70,000K

Sabaidee Attapeu

It's all about the setting here, in a converted wooden house with a broad deck overlooking the Se Kong and the distant mountains. The menu features grilled and fried meats galore, but also lighter dishes such as a delicious spicy papaya salad.
Hours: 8am-9pm
Price: mains 30,000-70,000K

Thi Thi Restaurant

Thi Thi Restaurant serves some of the best Vietnamese food in town. Various fish dishes and soups, plus fried rice and fĕr (rice noodles) grace the menu.
Hours: 6am-9pm
Price: mains 15,000-35,000K

Talat Samakhixay

Vendors hawk baguette sandwiches, fĕr (rice noodles) and other street foods during the morning at Talat Samakhixay, near the bridge.

SP Coffee

Attapeu is pretty light-on with air-con coffee shops, so if you're on the hunt for a quick caffeine fix, this is the spot. The coffee is decent, and there are also reasonably priced Thai and Lao dishes on the menu. At night it becomes a bar and occasional karaoke joint.
Hours: 7am-10pm
Price: mains 15,000-25,000K

How to reach Attapeu

Until the Attapeu Airport kicks in, you’ll have to fly to Pakse and head overland. Lao Airlines offers 14 direct weekly flights to Pakse International Airport departing Vientiane at 07:10, 7:50, 8:10, and 10:30, depending on the day, for the 75-minute trip. The carrier also offers a daily direct flight from Luang Prabang departing at 10:40 and arriving at 12:20. 

Lao Airways provides international routes to Pakse including daily flights from Siem Reap at 14:40, and on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:45. The airline departs Ho Cho Minh City at noon on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and five days a week from Bangkok at 13:40.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

You can hire a car, van, or 4WD vehicle in Pakse, Savannakhet, and Vientiane for your Attapeu adventure. 

Several busses depart Vientiane’s Southern Bus Terminal for Pakse and onward travel to Attapeu every day, though schedules may vary. Categories of busses range from less-than-comfortable busses making local stops, to VIP coaches and overnight sleepers with direct routes to Pakse. Most make brief stops in Thakaek and Savannakhet during the 10-hour ride. Prices vary according to category. To ensure a seat on the coach of your choice, book your trip through a local travel agent.    

Once in Pakse, travellers will find a choice of busses heading to Attapeu via Paksong in the Bolaven Plateau throughout the day. These services end at 16:00, though a local bus leaves at 17:00. A VIP coach departs from Pakse to Attapeu at 15:15 with stops at Paksong, Tatheng and Sekong. 

Note: Schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check before planning your trip.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Get around

Getting around Attapeu Province can be challenging, though touring the town and its environs is quite easy.

A song taew around town costs as little as 5,000 kip. You can rent bicycles for sightseeing and pedalling along the Xe Kong River, or hire a motorbike to venture further from Attapeu Town.

The easiest way to get around the province is on a tour with a knowledgeable local guide in a van or 4WD vehicle. Bikers can rent 250cc motocross bikes in Pakse.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN Laos
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang

The ancient capital of Lane Xang Kingdom

Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng

Vientiane
Vientiane

The ancient capital of Lane Xang Kingdom

4000 Islands
4000 Islands

Phonsavan
Phonsavan

Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw

image
24-hour response
guaranteed!
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision. Check below our recommended plans regarding the theme you prefer or what you can do based on the time frame you have

Laos PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Laos PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Laos TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!
WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Laos BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Despite being open to tourism for the past two decades, Laos remains a destination brimming with hidden treasures and unexplored gems, awaiting the arrival of curious adventurers.

Among these remarkable places is the Xe Champhone Loop, an enchanting location that captures the essence of Laos.

In early September 2022, we had the privilege of embarking on an Educational Tour organized by the esteemed Tetraktys Organization. Our objective was to delve into the wonders of this loop and promote its allure to international tourists.

During our expedition, we were awe-struck by the captivating sights and valuable insights we gained. The area boasts an abundance of captivating natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, and warm-hearted hosts.

We have compiled comprehensive information about this captivating region below.

Stay connected to discover more about this hidden gem!

...more

The romance of train travel is alive and well in Laos. The recently-completed high-speed railway that stretches from Vientiane, through Laos, and into southern China is operating ‘full steam’ ahead. 

...more

Luang Prabang will celebrate the boat racing festival (Boun Souang Heua) in Namkhan River during Buddhist Lent Period, on August 26th, 2022.

A notice issued by Luang Prabang provincial office says that Luang Prabang will arrange Boun Hor Khaopadapdin, an annual festival held to feed spirits with home-made parcels of food, and the boat racing activities along Namkhan River. 

The province intends to promote the traditional festival and practices in hopes of attracting more domestic and foreign tourists, generating revenue for locals.

Traditional racing boats are made of a single tree and can accommodate up to fifty rowers.

The boats are considered sacred, are cleaned, and are given offerings which are believed to bring victory to the team.

In the downtown heart of Luang Prabang, there will also be gatherings and markets.

The festival will be held on August 26th, 2022, the same day with Boun Khao Padapdine.

Covid-19 put a stop to traditional customs and festivals for almost three years, but now that the measurements have been relaxed, tourist destinations in Laos expect to recommence festivities and offer hope for travelers.

...more

How long to spend in Laos may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. 

How long can you stay in Laos? 

Well, as long as you like! From 7 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Laos and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Laos is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Laos with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Laos.

...more

The Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people near the beginning of the wet season in numerous villages and municipalities, in the regions of Northeastern Thailand and Laos. Celebrations typically include preliminary music and dance performances, competitive processions of floats, dancers and musicians on the second day, and culminating on the third day in competitive firings of home-made rockets. Local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.

The festival in Thailand also includes special programs and specific local patterns like Bung Fai (Parade dance) and a Beautiful Bung Fai float such as Yasothon the third weekend of May, and continues Suwannaphum District, Roi Et on the first weekend of June, Phanom Phrai District Roi Et during the full moon of the seventh month in Lunar year's calendar each year. The Bung Fai festival is not only found in Isan or Northeasthern Thailand and North Thailand and Laos, but also in Amphoe Sukhirin, Narathiwat.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Vietnam
bee-white Vietnam
A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
loading
back top