Travel Guide to Attapeu

Busses depart to Pakse from Vientiane Capital and central and southern Lao provinces along Highway 13, but you may have to change busses along the way. Attapeu has a new airport, but lacks flights. International and domestic flights arrive daily at Pakse airport from national and some regional hubs. From Pakse, you can take a … Read more

Attapeu’s Buddhist Temples & Shrines

  Easy to reach from Attapeu Town, the religious site was built in 1577 in honour of Lane Xang King Sayasetthathirath, who died nearby. The ancient Vat Sakhae houses the sacred Buddha image of Ongsene. Dating further stands Kavanghine Place, a rock structure in Phouvong believed to have been constructed during the legendary Muang Chueng … Read more

Things to Do in Attapeu

Visit isolated waterfalls, and feel their rumble applaud the tranquil setting. Trekkers will find rarely travelled trails. True explorers can board local boats and voyage through the jungle. And, though Buddhism played a minor role in distant spirit-worshipping Attapeu, you can find a few ancient temples dating to the 16th century. Trekking in Attapeu gives … Read more

Attapeu Accommodation

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 … Read more

Attapeu’s History

Locals believe the king’s remains are housed in the ancient stupa, Vat Pha Saysettha, as the king died nearby. Prior to coming under the kingdom’s control, the territory was called “Idkabue”, which means “buffalo droppings” as wild buffaloes lived in the area. However, French colonialists interpreted this as “Attapeu”, which remains its name to this … Read more

Attapeu’s Ethnic Diversity

  The ancestors of most of Attapeu’s 127,000 residents have trickled in from neighbouring provinces, the Bolaven Plateau, and Vietnam. Animism and spirit worship guide these groups, though many are aware of Buddhism, and incorporate it in their beliefs.    “Attapeu” is a French colonial distortion of “Idkabue”, which means “buffalo droppings”, as wild buffaloes … Read more

Getting to 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 … Read more

Getting around Attapeu

  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 … Read more

Trekking in Attapeu

You can head off with a guide or on your own for a day or longer. Explore the deep jungle, follow paths to waterfalls, and climb mountains to isolated ethnic villages on an Attapeu trek.      Ban Mai Waterfall Trek & Homestay Your 2-day journey begins with a 48-km drive from Attapeu Town (Samakkhixay). First, … Read more

Attapeu’s Top Attractions

  Temples 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 … Read more