Xekong Province, Laos Travel Guide

Discover the untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Xekong Province in Laos, a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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Xekong Province

Xekong Province, nestled in the southern region of Laos, is a hidden gem that offers an unspoiled natural beauty. This destination is perfect for tourists looking to escape the usual hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the tranquility of untouched landscapes. The province is known for its scenic rivers, dense forests, and the majestic Bolaven Plateau, which provides a cool escape from the tropical heat. Visitors to Xekong can explore the many waterfalls that dot the province, such as the Tad Faek and Tad Se Noi, which offer breathtaking views and refreshing swimming spots. The region is also home to ethnic minority villages, where tourists can learn about the rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles of the Lao people. The warm and welcoming locals add to the charm of this remote destination. Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in Xekong, from trekking through lush rainforests to kayaking along the Se Kong River. The province's diverse flora and fauna make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. With its off-the-beaten-path allure and myriad of outdoor activities, Xekong Province promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Xekong Province.

Visit during the dry season from November to April for the best weather and easier access to remote areas.
Hire a local guide for trekking and exploring waterfalls to ensure safety and uncover hidden spots.
Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting ethnic minority villages.
Bring insect repellent and appropriate clothing for jungle treks.
Stay in eco-lodges or homestays to support sustainable tourism and gain a deeper cultural experience.

Explore Xekong Province: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Xekong Province

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Ongkeo Monument Park

Immerse yourself in the history and tranquility of Ongkeo Monument Park, a beautiful haven in Salavan perfect for relaxation and exploration.

4.2

Tad Soung Waterfall

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tad Soung Waterfall, a serene oasis in Ban Baktheung, Laos, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.1

Sekong Monument

Explore the tranquil beauty and rich history of Sekong Monument, a serene memorial park in the heart of Laos.

4.3

Viewpoint on scenic loop

Discover the stunning vistas at the Scenic Loop Viewpoint in Houayxay, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

5.0

Best landmarks in Xekong Province

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Bolaven Plain Laos

Discover Laos' Bolaven Plateau: Waterfalls, coffee, and cultural encounters in a refreshing highland paradise. Explore the heart of southern Laos.

3.9

Dong Ampham National Biodiversity Conservation Area

Discover Laos' hidden gem: Dong Ampham National Biodiversity Conservation Area, a pristine wilderness of rainforests, rivers, and rare wildlife.

5.0

Fandee Island - Tad Lo - Bolaven Loop Pakse - ດອນຝັນດີ

Discover Fandee Island: A unique Laos getaway with treehouses, waterfalls, waterpark, and authentic Bolaven Plateau experiences near Tad Lo.

4.6

Tad Gneuang Waterfall

Discover the majestic cascades and lush scenery of Tad Gneuang Waterfall, a natural paradise in the heart of the Bolaven Plateau.

4.6

Best restaurants in Xekong Province

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Dyen Sabai Restaurant

Experience authentic Lao cuisine by the Mekong River at Dyen Sabai Restaurant in Luang Prabang - a true taste of local flavors.

4.3

BOUANG Asian Eatery

Discover authentic Lao cuisine at BOUANG Asian Eatery in Luang Prabang - where flavors meet tradition in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6

L’Elephant

Experience exquisite French cuisine at L’Elephant in Luang Prabang - where culinary artistry meets local flavors.

4.3

Fandee Island - Tad Lo - Bolaven Loop Pakse - ດອນຝັນດີ

Experience adventure and relaxation at Fandee Island in Tad Lo - where family fun meets natural beauty.

4.6

Best bars in Xekong Province

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Cafe' Sinouk Sekong By Pyk

Experience authentic Lao cuisine amidst the serene beauty of Xekong province at Café Sinouk Sekong, where every dish tells a story.

4.0

Karaoke

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Pakse at Karaoke, where music, food, and fun come together for an unforgettable evening.

3.4

Nhà hàng

Experience authentic Lao cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at Dak Cheung's charming restaurant, perfect for food lovers and cultural explorers.

3.7

ຮ້ານ ອາຫານ ສະບາຍດີ ; ກາເຟສົດ ດາກຈຶງ

Experience the rich flavors of Dak Cheung at ຮ້ານ ອາຫານ ສະບາຍດີ, a culinary gem offering authentic local dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Xekong Province

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ຮ້ານ 3 ແຍກ ເຊກອງ

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Sekong at ຮ້ານ 3 ແຍກ ເຊກອງ, where local flavors and a warm atmosphere await you.

4.1

Thu Hiền Karaoke

Discover the excitement of karaoke and nightlife at Thu Hiền Karaoke in Sekong, where music and fun come together in a vibrant setting.

4.3

Tikna Night Club

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tikna Night Club in Attapeu, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await.

3.3

ร้านอาหาร

Explore Phon's vibrant bar scene, where traditional and modern drinks blend in a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing and relaxation.

4.3

Best shops in Xekong Province

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Khamphaen Grocery Shop

Explore the vibrant essence of Sekong at Khamphaen Grocery Shop, where local culture meets everyday shopping in a delightful atmosphere.

4.2

Bến xe sekong

Experience the essence of Laotian culture at Bến xe Sekong, a bustling supermarket filled with local treasures and exotic finds for every traveler.

4.0

ຮ້ານ ນູນີ່

Explore the vibrant tastes of Sekong at ຮ້ານ ນູນີ່, your go-to grocery store for local flavors and products.

4.6

เรึอน ดวง

Discover unique fashion and vibrant styles at เรึอน ดวง, the ultimate clothing store in Chavan, blending tradition with modernity.

3.8

Explore Xekong Province on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Xekong Province, mapped for you.

Xekong Province Essentials

Xekong Province is located in the southeastern part of Laos. The nearest international airport is Pakse International Airport (PKZ) in Champasak Province, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Pakse, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Xekong. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Attapeu Airport, which is closer to Xekong, and then continue by road.
Within Xekong Province, transportation options include buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbike rentals. Buses and minibuses connect major towns and villages, while tuk-tuks are a convenient option for short distances. Renting a motorbike provides flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Note that road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.
The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are available in larger towns within Xekong, but it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas.
Xekong Province is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice. Be cautious of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote areas and stick to well-trodden paths.
In case of emergency, dial 1191 for police assistance and 1623 for medical emergencies. Xekong has local police stations and medical facilities, although services may be limited in rural areas. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in larger towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and avoid pointing your feet at religious objects. 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 'Sabaidee' and a slight bow. Avoid touching someone's head as it is considered impolite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Xekong Province like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lao goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Tad Faek and Tad Se Noi waterfalls for a refreshing experience. For a unique adventure, take a boat ride along the Sekong River, offering scenic views and a chance to observe local wildlife.

When is the best time to visit Xekong Province?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Xekong Province

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Xekong Province. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa-bai-dee]
- Goodbyeລາພ
  [la-pho]
- Yesດິນ
  [din]
- Noບໍ່
  [bo]
- Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ
  [ka-louna]
- Thank youຂອບໃຈ
  [kop jai]
- Excuse me/Sorryຂໍໂທດີ
  [kho-tho-dee]
- How are you?ເດືອນລ້ຽງລາວໜ
  [deuan leng lao na]
- Fine. And you?ປາກເດືອນ. ແລະເຈົ້າເດືອນ?
  [pak deuan. lae jaou deuan]
- Do you speak English?ເຈົ້າໃສ່ເພື່ອນອັງກິດແລ້ວບໍ?
  [jaou sai phuen angkit laew bo?]
- I don't understandຂ້ອຍເປັນການເຂົ້າ
  [koi bpen kan kao]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້ອຍຮ້ານເຫດຜິດຕໍ່ແລະເຈົ້າ
  [koi han de pit the lao]
- I don't eat meatຂ້ອຍບໍ່ກິບຊີ້
  [koi bo gip see]
- Cheers!ຂີ້ຄິດ
  [ki dit]
- I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້ອຍຈ້າງເກິກກີບແລະເຈົ້າ
  [koi jang kek kiap lao]
- Help!ຊ້ວທະນະ!
  [su-than-na]
- Go away!ໄດ້ສະບາຍ!
  [dai sa-bai]
- Call the Police!ໂທ້ຊົມພະພານ!
  [tho som pha-phan]
- Call a doctor!ໂທ້ທ່ານປັກກອງ!
  [tho than pak-kong]
- I'm lostຂ້ອຍສົນທັງ
  [koi son thang]
- I'm illຂ້ອຍເຈືອງ
  [koi jong]
- I'd like to buy...ຂ້ອຍກິບຂຽນ...
  [koi gip kian...]
- I'm just lookingຂ້ອຍເບິ່ງດວາງ
  [koi beng duang]
- How much is it?ດີໃຈເຈົ້າ?
  [din jai lao?]
- That's too expensiveບໍ່ໃຫ້ຄົນມາ
  [bo hai khon ma]
- Can you lower the price?ເຈົ້າສາມາດຫຼາຍລາຄາໄດ້ບໍ?
  [jaou samat lai la ka dai bo?]
- What time is it?ເວລາໜຶ່ງກ່ວາ?
  [welao neung kua?]
- It's one o'clockເວລາໜຶ່ງຊົມ
  [welao neung som]
- Half past (10)ມື້ຫຼາຍ (10)
  [me lai sip]
- Morningເຊົ້າ
  [sao]
- Afternoonແລ້ວ
  [lao]
- Eveningກາງກັນ
  [kang kan]
- Yesterdayມືດມື່ນ
  [me de man]
- Todayມືດມື່ນ
  [me de man]
- Tomorrowມືດອື່ນ
  [me eun]
- 1ໜຶ່ງ
  [neung]
- 2ສອງ
  [song]
- 3ສາມ
  [sam]
- 4ຫ້າ
  [si]
- 5ຫ້າຫຸດ
  [si hoot]
- 6ເຈັດ
  [jet]
- 7ເຈັດົ້າ
  [jet nao]
- 8ເຈັດຫົນ
  [jet non]
- 9ເກົ້າ
  [kao]
- 10ສິບ
  [sip]
- Where's a/the...?ຢູ່ບ່ອນ...
  [yu bon...]
- What's the address?ຢູ່ບ່ອນໝູ
  [yu bon mu]
- Can you show me (on the map)?ເຈົ້າສາມາດສະແດງຂ້ອຍໃນອອກ?
  [jaou samat san daeng koi nai oak?]
- When's the next (bus)?ມື້ອ້ອຍຫຼາຍໜ້າ?
  [me oi lai nao?]
- A ticket (to ....)ເງີນໃຫ້ປື້ມ (ຫຼາຍ ....)
  [ngern hai pum (lai ....)]

History of Xekong Province

Xekong Province, situated in the southeastern part of Laos, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The region was inhabited by various indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Alak, Katu, and Nge. These communities have maintained their unique cultural identities and traditions through centuries, contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of the province.
During the 14th century, Xekong Province became part of the Lan Xang Kingdom, one of the largest and most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The kingdom's influence brought Buddhism and a unified system of governance to the region. Temples, stupas, and other Buddhist monuments from this era can still be found scattered throughout the province, reflecting the historical significance of Lan Xang’s rule.
In the late 19th century, Laos, including Xekong Province, came under French colonial rule. The French administration introduced new infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which facilitated easier access to the remote regions of Xekong. The colonial period also saw the introduction of new agricultural practices and the cultivation of crops like coffee and rubber, which continue to be important to the local economy.
Xekong Province played a significant role during the Vietnam War, as it was a key area along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail was a critical supply route for North Vietnamese forces, and as a result, Xekong experienced heavy bombing and military activity. The remnants of this period, including bomb craters and war relics, can still be observed in the province, serving as a poignant reminder of its turbulent history.
Following the end of the Vietnam War and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, Xekong Province began a slow process of reconstruction and development. Efforts were made to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) and rebuild infrastructure. Today, Xekong is recognized for its natural beauty, with efforts focused on sustainable tourism and preserving its rich cultural heritage. The province's history is celebrated through various cultural festivals and local traditions that continue to thrive.
Xekong Province is home to a mosaic of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct languages, customs, and traditions. The Alak, Katu, Nge, and other ethnic communities practice ancient rituals, music, dance, and craft-making that have been passed down through generations. Visitors can experience traditional ceremonies, such as the Alak's annual buffalo sacrifice festival, which is a vital part of the local spiritual and cultural life.