Pakse, Laos 🇱🇦
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pakse is the capital of Champasak Province in southern Laos, known for its French colonial architecture and proximity to the Bolaven Plateau. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 90,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18,000 LAK; ATMs are widely available, but cash is preferred. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, ⚡ Type A, B, and C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Unitel and Lao Telecom, with data packages starting from 30,000 LAK. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash payments are common; however, some places accept Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and serviced apartments; popular platforms are Agoda and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; cash is widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel type places like Pakse Backpackers offer dormitory beds starting from 50,000 LAK. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bamboo Cafe, offering good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mekong, known for its comfortable seating and fast internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at Lankham Cafe. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community often meets at the Pakse International School or through Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available for rides in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at several shops along the Mekong River for about 70,000 LAK per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches, but the area around the Mekong River is tranquil for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Lao Airlines operates flights to major destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and VietJet Air for connections to neighboring countries. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route 13 connecting Vientiane and Pakse. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; long-distance buses connect to other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus fares are generally low, around 10,000 LAK. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Champasak and Don Det are frequent and inexpensive. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pakse Provincial Hospital offers general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at the Wellness Center at the Bolaven Plateau. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers such as Lao Fitness Club are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at local guesthouses and laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is available for meal deliveries from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Khao Soi,' a traditional noodle dish that is very popular. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants such as Vegan House offer plant-based dining options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Le Cafe serves delightful pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Morning Market (Talat Sao) for inexpensive local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lao commerce websites like Shoplao are growing but limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery; inquire directly. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars along the Mekong River offer a vibrant nightlife experience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beerlao, the local beer, is a must-try, available in most restaurants and bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cafe Meta is known for a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the night market serve delicious meals at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serving Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisine are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit ancient temple complex. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Champasak Historical Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Wat Luang is one of the most important temples in Pakse. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Phu Kham, a famous local temple situated on a hill. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lao New Year (Pi Mai) celebrations are vibrant and extensive. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the riverside area for cultural exchanges and local artisan crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances can be found at various local gatherings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Night Market offers local crafts, food, and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars sometimes have live music showcasing traditional Lao music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art installations are sporadic but often seen near popular cafes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at various local restaurants teach traditional Lao recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries occasionally feature exhibitions from Lao artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | French colonial buildings in the town showcase historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lao culture is rich and diverse, represented in festivals and daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bolaven Plateau offers stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nam Tok Phu Khoun (lowest part of Bolaven Plateau) is accessible for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the Mekong are great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at the Bolaven Plateau provide breathtaking vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the wetlands near the Bolaven Plateau. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Campgrounds along the Mekong offer bonfire spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Laos Post provides postal services; international courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Pakse can offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Lao language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local university has a library that is often open to the public. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes may offer games but not dedicated gaming lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos in Pakse. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for most businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for resident and non-resident corporations. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax rates apply for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% for income exceeding approximately 30 million LAK. |
| 🧾 VAT | The VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules governing foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; land lease taxes may apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No standard transaction tax; fees apply based on valuation. |