Pakse: Gateway to Southern Laos' Wonders

• Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa bai dee]
• Goodbyeສະບາຍດີ
  [la khon]
• Yesສະບາຍດີ
  [chai]
• Noບໍ່
  [bo]
• Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ
  [ka lu na]
• Thank youຂອບໃຈ
  [kop jai]
• Excuse me/Sorryຂ້າພະຈາຘີ
  [ka pha ja mai]
• How are you?ໂລກເກີດໃຈຫາ?
  [lok koi jai lao?]
• Fine. And you?ດອກ, ພວກເຮົາອາດາ?
  [dok, puak hao adai?]
• Do you speak English?ເຈົ້າເວົ້າພາສາອັງກິດບໍ?
  [jao waa pha sa ang-kit bo?]
• I don't understandຂ້ອຍເປັນຮູ້ບໍ
  [koi pen huu bo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງເບິ່ງໂມບັບກາວ
  [koi tong bong eng menu ka]
• I don't eat meatຂ້ອຍບໍ່ກິນຊີ
  [koi bo gin see]
• Cheers!ຂີຢ່າ
  [koy]
• I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງຈ່າຍ
  [koi tong chai]

• Help!ຊ່ວຍຊ່ວຍ
  [sue sue]
• Go away!ໄປນາ
  [pai na]
• Call the Police!ໂທງຕ້ອງຍ້າຍພະຈິກ
  [tong tong tong yai pha jik]
• Call a doctor!ໂທງຕ້ອງຍ້າຍທ່າງ
  [tong tong tong yai tang]
• I'm lostຂ້ອຍທີ່ປູ່
  [koi ti pu]
• I'm illຂ້ອຍມີເຈັບ
  [koi mi jap]

• I'd like to buy...ຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງຊື້
  [koi tong soom]
• I'm just lookingຂ້ອຍເບິ່ງເຂົ້າ
  [koi bong khow]
• How much is it?ມູນເດືອນເມືອ
  [mun doon meun]
• That's too expensiveນີ້ຂອງແມ່ນຂີງ
  [ni kong mai koy]
• Can you lower the price?ເຈົ້າຈະລົງລາຄຶກອອກໄດ້ບໍ?
  [jao sa long la khek ok dai bo]

• What time is it?ເວລາແມ່ນຫວານ?
  [wa lao mai waan?]
• It's one o'clockສິບສິບ
  [sip sip]
• Half past (10)ຂ່າວສິບ
  [kao sip]
• Morningເຊົ້າ
  [sao]
• Afternoonບ່ອນດາວ
  [bon dao]
• Eveningກາງຄືນ
  [kang kuen]
• Yesterdayວັນວັດກ່ອນ
  [wan wat korn]
• Todayມື້ນີ້
  [me ni]
• Tomorrowມື້ອື້ນ
  [me un]
• 1ໜ້າ
  [na]
• 2ຊາວ
  [sao]
• 3ສາມ
  [sam]
• 4ສີ
  [see]
• 5ຫ້າ
  [ha]
• 6ຫົວ
  [hu]
• 7ເຈັດ
  [jap]
• 8ເຂົາ
  [khow]
• 9ເຈັດແປ
  [jap pae]
• 10ສິບ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?ຢາກມີ...?
  [yaak mi...?]
• What's the address?ເຊື່ອແບບແມສາທີ່?
  [sue bae ma sa thi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ທ່ານສາມາດສະແດງຂ້ອຍໄດ້ບໍ?
  [tang sa ma dai sa bong koi dai bo?]
• When's the next (bus)?ມື້ນັ້ນເມືອນເມືອນຖື່ກາວ?
  [me nan meun meun tu kao?]
• A ticket (to ....)ເງີນໃຊ້ (ເພື່ອ ....)
  [ngern sai (puak ....)]

Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province, was founded by French colonialists in 1905. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, it served as an important administrative and commercial hub in the region.

During the French colonial period, Pakse grew in importance and saw the construction of many buildings in the French architectural style. The influence of French culture can still be seen in some of the city's colonial-era structures, including the Champasak Palace Hotel, which was originally intended to be a royal residence.

During World War II, Pakse, like much of Laos, was occupied by Japanese forces. This period saw significant disruption, but the end of the war brought liberation and the eventual departure of Japanese troops.

In 1954, Laos gained independence from French colonial rule. Pakse played a role in the post-independence reconstruction and development, becoming an important center for trade and transportation in southern Laos.

Near Pakse lies the ancient temple complex of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the Khmer Empire, Wat Phou is one of the most important archaeological sites in Laos and reflects the historical significance of the region during the 10th to 14th centuries.

During the Lao Civil War (1959-1975), Pakse was a strategic location due to its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The city witnessed significant military activity and population movements during this turbulent period.

In recent decades, Pakse has developed into a vibrant city that blends traditional Lao culture with modern influences. It has become a gateway for tourism in southern Laos, offering visitors access to natural attractions such as the Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don (4000 Islands).

Pakse is home to a diverse cultural heritage that includes ethnic Lao, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities. The city's markets, festivals, and temples reflect this rich tapestry of cultures, providing a unique experience for visitors.

Pakse is located in the southern part of Laos and serves as a gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and the Mekong River region. The main point of entry is Pakse International Airport (PKZ), which has connections to major cities in Laos, as well as international flights from Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle service to reach the city center. Alternatively, Pakse is accessible by bus from Vientiane, Savannakhet, and other Laotian cities. Buses are the most cost-effective mode of transportation, though the journey can be long.

Within Pakse, transportation options include tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals. Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable way to get around the city. Taxis are available but are relatively more expensive. Renting a motorbike is a convenient option for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. For longer trips, such as visits to the Bolaven Plateau or Wat Phou, consider hiring a private car with a driver or joining an organized tour.

The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). While some hotels and restaurants in Pakse accept credit cards, cash is the most widely used form of payment. ATMs are available in the city, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to rural areas. Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange booths in Pakse.

Pakse is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While Pakse does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 1191 for police assistance or 1195 for medical emergencies. Pakse has a central hospital and several clinics that can provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or a 'Nop' (placing your hands together in a prayer-like gesture). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pakse like a local, visit the Dao Heuang Market, where you can buy fresh produce, traditional Lao goods, and local handicrafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple complex. For a unique experience, take a river cruise on the Mekong River to enjoy the scenic beauty and observe local river life.