Champassak

Post date: Nov 18, 2011 7:24:48 AM

Wat Phu

Wat Phu (mountain temple) dates back to the 5th century. The original temple was built by Khmer Hindus at the top of a hill at the site of a fresh water spring. The peak of the hill is said to resemble a Shiva lingum. The exact history of Wat Phu is unclear, but it was certainly the site of a temple of the Khmer empire that eventually made Angkor Wat its capital. The temple is stunning and very remote, with superb views of the Mekong valley. At the top of the temple site are a number of carved rocks, resembling a crocodile, a naga and an elephant. It is believed that these rocks were used for human sacrifice.The most pleasant way to get to the temple complex from Pakse is by chartering a boat down the Mekong. The journey to the town of Champassak takes about one and a half hours. From Champassak, a tuk tuk can be taken to the temple, about 8km away.

Bolaven Plateau

Situated on the north east of Champassak province, the plateau covers parts of Salavan, Attapeu and Sekong provinces although there are more options for tourists visiting the plateau in Pakse. The plateau is fertile farmland specializing in coffee, tea, cardamom and fruit. The plateau houses a dozen mainly animist ethnic minorities, including Laven, Alak, Katou, Ta-Oy, Houne, Ngai and Suk communities. Accommodation on the plateau is limited, but Tad Lo wa-terfalls have a number of bungalows where you can enjoy trekking and elephant rides