(KPL) Champasck is a southern province of the Lao PDR and a transportation hub of the country.

Li Phi (officially known as Khon phapheng), Tat Fan, Tat Yeuang and other well-known tourist attractions are located in the southern most province. The authorities of the province expect to welcome 500,000 visitors this year, which is much higher than 300,000 achieved in 2023.

Last month, the authorities of Champassak Province launched Visit Laos Year 2024 and held a music festival at the provincial stadium in the participation of Champassak Governor Vilayvong Bouddakham, Savannakhet Governor Bounchom Ubonpasert, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Kikeo Singnavong, and leaders of local authorities.

“The opening of Visit Laos Year 2024 aims to promote tourism in the province which is an important economic driver of the province,” said Governor Vilayvong Bouddakham. 

A trade fair was also held on the sidelines of the Visit Laos Year 2024 launching event. The trade fair drew dozens of booths of agricultural products, handicrafts and tourism products, processing industrial products, One District One Products (ODOP). Financial businesses, tourism related businesses, guest houses, hotels were also represented at the trade fair.

Champassak has over 240 tourism attractions, including 139 natural tourist sites, 62 cultural tourist sites and 43 historical tourist destinations.

There are four major tourism zones in Champassak Province with the first one - Mahanathi Si Thandone area (Khong district) possessing several tourist attractions including Khonphapheng, Somphamit Waterfall, Old Rail Track, Old Steam Locomotive and Old Rail Bridge, and lifestyles of local people living along the Mekong River.

Champassak World Cultural Heritage Zone covers four districts namely Champassak, Pathoumphone, Soukhoumma, and Mounlapamok. The wellknown tourist sites in this region include UNESCO’S World Heritage Site - Wat Phu Champassak -, Meuang Kang Temple, Old City, That Sam Pang, That Ban Done, That Nang Ing, Phu Asa (Tomo Ancient Site), Donedeng White Beach.

Pakxong Bolaven area has cool weather throughout the year and is famous for coffee and tea grown on millions-of-years -old volcanic soil. Many well known waterfalls including Tad Fan Waterfall, Tat Yeuang Waterfall, Seven-Tier Waterfall, Tayeuk Seua Waterfall, Champi Waterfall, among others are located in this area. Agro Farm, an agro tourist site, is also well known to domestic and foreign visitors.

The Cultural and Natural Tourist area, covering four districts - Pakse City, Phonthong, Sanasomboun and Bachiang Chaleunsouk, houses many attractions including Wat Luang Pakse, Wat Phabat, Wat Chomphet, Wat Phu Sa Lao, Phu Hin Khong, Hin Lak Khon, and Pha Suom Waterfall, among others.

KPL