Attapeu Travel Guide

Attapeu Travel Guide

Attapeu Province is in a large picturesque valley surrounded by the mountains and well -known for the Bolaven Plateau. It shares borders with Sekong in the North, Champasak in the West, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia in the South. The area offers off-the-beaten track travel to many natural and cultural attractions including unique treks to waterfalls, national protected areas and ethnic villages.

What to do?

Attapeu is bordered to the east and south by the Sekong River. The southern stretch is where you'll find the riverside restaurants, the hospital, some places to stay, and the ferry to Ban Sekhaman. To the east you'll find the market and the bridge to Xaysettha. There isn't much to see or do to the north and west of the Attapeu Palace, with the exception of the bus station and the road to Sanamxai, 3km from the town center along the main road.

Within reach of the town are a range of natural sights -- including the Dong Ampham Forest and Xepiane Forest -- a portion of the historically important Ho Chi Minh trail, cultural items of interest and treks to villages, home to many ethnic groups, including the Oye, Tallang, Yae, Lavenh, Yaheune, Lavae, Cheng, Ta Oy, Hmong and Lao Lum.

Its main attractions are the numerous beautiful gardens, which made the city known as the "garden village". At Xaisintha everyone seems to spend all day long lolling around in the river, fishing, swimming and chatting and it is only around 12 km and 20 minutes away. Or, guided day tours to Nong Fa Lake (a 3-day walk from Sanxay District in the northeast of Attapeu), Tad Phok (25 kilometers from Samakkhixay District), Tad Saepha and Tad Samongphak Waterfall (inside the Xe Pian National Protected Area)

Travel Tips

Two main impediments have stymied tourism development in the region: unexploded ordnance (UXO) and poor public transport. Considerable clearance of UXO has been undertaken but as you'd expect in one of the most heavily bombed nations on earth, plenty remain and unescorted bush-bashing is strongly discouraged. Established tracks are considered safe and exploration with a guide is not enforced but prudent.
To prepare for trekking, wear suitable teva-type sandals or amphibious shoes as you will cross many streams, go through mud and take your shoes off and on when visiting the local houses. Also, in rainy seasons, nylon stockings are recommended as a barrier that leeches cannot penetrate. Dress conservatively and take adequate sun protection, water and mosquito repellent.