CHAMPASAK
Charming small town with colonial buildings, rich in culture and tradition as it once was the capital of the Southern Laos kingdom under the rule of king Nokasad. Surrounded by sacred mountains, and filled with rice field, Champassak town is a small hidden jewel that is worth a visit.
Wat Meuang Kang
Wat Phou
The religious complex of Wat Phou is of Khmer architecture and Hindu Religion. It is located at the foot of Mount Phou Kao, a sacred mountain. Because of its shape, it was in ancient times identified by the Linga, the phallic symbol of Shiva, and therefore called Lingapawarta. Inscriptions from the 5th and 6th century AD already mentioned a sanctuary built on the hill, contemporary with the foundation of the city. However, the religious complex we see today was built during the first part of the 11th century, with some additions and reconstruction in the 12th and 13th century. Situated at 45 Km from the Southern capital, "Pakse", it has been awarded as a UNESCO heritage site since 2001
Don Daeng
"The red Island" is an 8 km long island in the middle of the Mekong which faces Champassak city. Many remains have been found and are thought to come from the UNESCO site Wat Phou. It is inhabited by 8 different villages that strive by growing rice and fishing. There are sandy beaches, natural forests, rice field and small villages where the time seems to have stop. It is possible to loop around the island by bicycle or even by feet, through a beautiful shaded footpath. Around twenty families have decided to build a community lodge where they are welcoming foreigners. Spend a night in a home-stay a real opportunity to discover the authentic Lao rural life.
Wat Muang Kang
One of the most famous 19th century temple in Laos, the temple combines Lao, Chinese, Vietnamese and french colonial architecture. Sitting on the edge of the Mekong and revered by the surrounding villages due to its religious significance. At night a beam coming from the river, bounces through a crystal and lights up the holy mountain above the Wat Phou.
