Champasak is the name of both the Paksé province and a town on the Mékong, north from Si Phan Don. Tourists usually come here for one thing: visit the Wat Phu Khmer temple, the little Lao brother of Angkor Wat.

Note: these beautiful trees with yellow flowers are frangipani or “Champa” in Lao. Besides being the national symbol of Laos, it also explains the name of the area (Champasak).
But we also came here to celebrate Elena’s birthday in a beautiful resort, with a stunning view over the Mekong. A welcome change from the guesthouses we are used to after a few months of traveling!