Pakse is synonymous with Wat Phou like Siem reap is to Angkor wat. Wat Phou was built by the founder of the first Khmer empire, Jayavarman II. It is somewhat smaller than Angkor but still a rival to that ancient empire.

Wat Phou redates Angkor by 30 years but the two centres co-existed for much of their dominant periods. South East Asia's highest waterfall, Khong Phapeng, and many interesting islands on the Mekong River can be found near to Pakse. It is the capital of Champasak Province and unspoiled place for the travellers.