Champasak may once have been the centre of power in the lower Mekong basin and a revered outpost of the Khmer Angkor Empire, but now it has the feeling of a back-water town where little happens by the banks of the Mekong. However this is part of the charm and just outside the town you'll find a surprisingly good choice of boutique hotels that offer a chance to enjoy rural southern Laos and life on the Mekong. Highly recommended for a couple of nights as you tour through Laos and perhaps on to Cambodia.

Visit Wat Phu

Most visitors pass through on a tour of the south and stop to visit to Wat Phu, one of the most important archaeological sites in Laos. Rather than base yourself in Champasak itself we recommend you stay by the Mekong River at the River Resort or head a few miles south to the sleepy fishing island of Don Daeng and stay at La Folie hotel. Both offer a beautiful location and comfortable base from which to enjoy this somnolent and seductive region of Laos.

Built in the 6th century at the base of mount Phu Kao, Wat Phu was a Khmer Hindu temple complex that pre-dated Angkor Wat and may even have been its blueprint. The mountain gained spiritual importance from the linga-shaped protuberance on its summit as this led to the mountain being considered the home of Shiva and the river represented the ocean. Climb through the complex and you’ll be rewarded with a great view down to the Mekong.

Continue South

Don't stop here, continue south to the relatively untouched wetlands of Xe Pian National Park, or on to Si Phan Don, where the Mekong breaks down into a myriad of arms and channels that surround tiny islands, sandbars and islets to create a water world, home to rare flora and fauna including the freshwater dolphin. From here Cambodia awaits if you'd like to continue your journey with the Mekong.