Champasak is a quiet riverside town in southern Laos, best known as the gateway to Wat Phou (Vat Phou). This ancient Khmer temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is older than Angkor Wat and sits dramatically on the slopes of Mount Phou Kao. As you climb the stone stairs past ancient sandstone sanctuaries, the views over the Mekong River are breathtaking. Explore the sacred well, Trimurti rock carvings, and other structures of this 1,000-year-old complex. Beyond the ruins, the town itself offers French-colonial architecture and local markets.

To make the most of your visit, aim for the cool, dry season from November to February, arrive early morning to avoid the heat and capture the best light, and wear comfortable walking shoes.