Pakse & Siem Reap

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.


Siem Reap is the nearest town to Angkor Wat. The name Siem Reap actually means the "defeat of Siam" — today’s Thailand. It is quite a small town
and you can walk around to see the city. It is reported to be safe enough to be out after dark. Siam Reap draws visitors for its world-famous monuments nearby: Angkor wat. Visiting the hundred-or-so temples and studying the forests around Siem Reap is still the main reason for being in the city. If you are fed up with seeing more temples you can still spend a couple of extra days to relax here and findqrtyp some nice things to do in the area. The huge natural reservoir, Tonle Sap, is just to the south of Siem Reap and provides relaxing boat trips.