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Pakxan
ℹ️Practical info — Pakxan
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The location at the confluence of the Nam San and Mekong rivers makes boat trips special; ask local fishermen for a short tour.
- Pakxan is not very touristy; learning a few words of Lao will open many doors.
- The bus station is slightly out of town; arrange a tuk-tuk or walk if you're traveling light.
- Bring enough cash with you, as ATMs in the region can sometimes be unreliable.
🍽 Food
Try this fresh, flavorful soup at the restaurants overlooking the Mekong River.
You can find excellently marinated and grilled Lao-style chicken at the markets.
Street stalls sell refreshing shakes made from dragon fruit, mango, or bananas.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A small market that sets up in the evening. Great for cheap street food and basic clothing.
A great place to observe authentic Lao market life and see the local fresh produce.
A wonderful, quiet spot to enjoy the river landscape as the sun sets.
This small temple south of the city has an insight into local Buddhism in a peaceful setting.
Water temperature…
Pakxan, sometimes spelled Paksan, is the capital of Bolikhamsai Province and stands on the right bank of the Mekong where the tributary Nam San empties into the main river. With around 35,000 inhabitants, it is one of the smaller provincial capitals in the country and serves mainly as an administrative, market and transport node on National Route 13 between Vientiane and Thakhek. The townscape is shaped by low shophouses, a busy central market, a handful of Buddhist temples and a small but lively riverside promenade looking across to Thailand. The surrounding plains support paddy fields and crops of maize and tobacco that form a vital part of the local economy. Pakxan is also a gateway to the Phou Khao Khouay protected area for nature trips.
- Location: Laos
- Nearby: Nam Et-Phou Louey (56 km)
- Population: ~21.967 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 13 | 39 | 65 | 172 | 180 | 271 | 298 | 218 | 97 | 21 | 9 |
Geography
Facts
- Capital of Bolikhamxai Province, situated at the confluence of the Nam San and Mekong rivers.
- Gateway to the dense jungles of the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area.
- Features Wat Phabath, a temple famous for housing a large Buddha footprint.
- Surrounded by extensive wetland areas and agricultural plains.
- Historically served as a minor trading post between Vientiane and the southern provinces.
- The town's location makes it a crucial transport link along Route 13.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pakxan (1)
Frequently asked questions
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