How To Reach Vat Phou

Traveling to Vat Phou, Issan, Thailand

Located in the southern part of Laos near the border with Thailand, Vat Phou (or Wat Phu) is an ancient Khmer Hindu temple complex that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Issan is a region in northeastern Thailand known for its own set of Khmer ruins, travelers often visit both. Here's how to reach Vat Phou:

By Air

Fly to Pakse International Airport (PKZ) in Laos. Pakse is the closest major city to Vat Phou. Regular flights are available from Bangkok, Thailand and other major cities in the region. From Pakse, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or arrange for a guided tour to reach Vat Phou, which is approximately 40 km to the southwest.

By Road

If you're coming from Issan, Thailand, you need to cross the Thai-Lao border. The nearest border crossing to Vat Phou is the Chong Mek - Vang Tao check-point. After crossing, you can hire a taxi or take a minibus to Pakse, and then onward to Vat Phou.

For those already in Laos, buses and minivans run from Vientiane, the capital city, to Pakse. The journey may take about 10-12 hours. From Pakse, you can hire a motorbike, join a local bus, or book a taxi to Vat Phou.

By Boat

It is also possible to take a slow boat along the Mekong River to Pakse from various locations in Laos. This is a scenic but much slower way to travel.

Additional Tips:

• Always check the visa requirements for Laos before planning your trip.
• Consider the weather conditions, as the best time to visit Vat Phou is during the cooler dry season from November to February.
• Ensure you have local currency (Lao Kip) for transportation and entry fees, though Thai Baht is also commonly accepted near the border areas.