The Best of Cambodia & Laos

310
SOUTHERN LAOS
15
PAKSE
Pakse
Banks & Currency Exchange BCEL (Rd. 11 along the river south of the old
French Bridge; & 031/212-770; open Mon–Fri 8am–3:30pm) has a currency
exchange counter outside at the entrance that changes cash and traveler’s checks
and can give advances on both Visa and MasterCard. There is also an ATM, which
takes Visa and MasterCard. BCEL has three other ATMs scattered around town
including one situated on Rd. 13 right in the center of the hotel and restaurant
district. They only issue local currency up to a limit of 700,000 kip. They also apply
hefty charges. You are better off using the exchange kiosk. The Lao Development
Bank (Rd. 13; & 031/212-168; open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm) changes cash and
traveler’s checks and gives cash advances on Visa and MasterCard.
Hospitals The Hospital (& 031/212-018) is situated on the corner of Rd. 10
and Rd. 46.
Internet Access There are many Internet cafes lining Rd. 13. Some of the
machines are in serious need of technical support and a complete system reinstall.
Post Office The Post Office is south of the town center at the corner of Rd. 1
and Rd. 8.
Telephone The city code is 031.
Tourism Information The Tourism Information Office (Rd. 11, 20m/66 ft. toward
the river from the BCEL Bank; & 031/212-021; open 8am–noon and 1:30–
4:30pm). This is a good place to find out about tours and onward transportation.
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of midrange options in Pakse. The true budget options are scarce, while
in the luxury category there are two absolute gems of very different sorts: the Champasak
Grand Hotel and the Champasak Palace Hotel.
Champasak Grand Hotel From the outside this brand-new international hotel
looks like a bit of a skyline mistake. There are enough examples of new luxury hotels in
Indochina being built with an eye to the surrounding French colonial architecture to
make the exterior facade of the Champasak Grand an architect’s folly. The building
dominates the new town near the Lao-Japanese Bridge. Still, the location is superb, the
rooms and facilities are well designed, and the service is good. All this comes with real
newly minted luxury at a very cheap price. The views from the rooms, the pool area, and
the restaurant are fantastic. You see the sweep of the Mekong both ways, and when the
rains and thunderstorms come rumbling up the river during monsoon you have a ringside
seat for the show. Rooms have high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and tasteful
decor. In low season (which is when the rains arrive) the rooms are discounted by up to
30%. For a couple of days of affordable luxury in a simply beautiful location this place
is a winner.
Lao Nippon Bridge Mekong Riverside. & 031/255-111. Fax 031/255-119. www.champasakgrand.com.
115 units. $65 superior; $80 deluxe; $120 premier; $200 executive suite. AE, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants;
bar; Internet; outdoor pool; room service; spa and fitness room. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.