Pakse
Decide whether to visit or live in Pakse, then explore current conditions, local people, the map, and concise sourced context.
Check visit & living safetyUpdated Monday, October 19, 2026 · sourced live layer and versioned editorial content
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Would you visit or live in Pakse?
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Climate normals · 2016–2025
When to go: Pakse month by month
Judged purely on 2016–2025 weather records, the friendliest months in Pakse are typically January, November and December, with average daytime highs around 30–31°C. April is usually the warmest month (average high 35°C), January the coldest (average low 19°C), and July the wettest (about 534 mm). These are long-run averages, not a forecast.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sunshine (h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.6 | 18.7 | 4 | 10.5 |
| February | 32.4 | 20.0 | 6 | 10.9 |
| March | 34.1 | 23.5 | 28 | 11.4 |
| April | 34.7 | 25.2 | 58 | 11.2 |
| May | 33.0 | 25.4 | 197 | 9.9 |
| June | 30.7 | 24.7 | 286 | 9.6 |
| July | 29.8 | 24.1 | 534 | 8.1 |
| August | 29.8 | 24.0 | 434 | 8.3 |
| September | 29.5 | 23.7 | 437 | 8.2 |
| October | 29.6 | 22.6 | 181 | 8.9 |
| November | 30.1 | 21.3 | 49 | 10.1 |
| December | 29.8 | 19.2 | 7 | 10.3 |
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Interactive geography
See Pakse in context
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01 · OverviewPakse, in brief
Where is Pakse located within the landscape of southern Laos?
Pakse functions as the capital and most populous district of the southern Laotian province of Champasak. Geographically defined by its position at the confluence of the Xe Don and Mekong Rivers, the district recorded a population of approximately 77,900 inhabitants during the 2015 Laotian census.
How does the local climate shape conditions throughout the year?
The city experiences a tropical savanna climate, categorized under the Köppen climate classification as Aw. Across the seasonal cycle, temperatures reach their highest points during the months of March and April, which immediately precede the onset of the monsoon season. The regional weather patterns divide clearly into a wet season spanning from April to October and a dry season lasting from November to March.
What historical events altered the provincial landscape surrounding the city?
The administrative profile of the area shifted in 1905 when the French established an administrative outpost at the mouth of the river. Pakse served as the capital of the Lao Kingdom of Champasak until the formation of the Kingdom of Laos in 1946. Following the Franco-Thai war, territorial changes orchestrated by the French involved ceding Preah Vihear Province, which formerly belonged to the French protectorate of Cambodia, along with the portion of Champasak Province situated on the opposite side of the Mekong River from Pakse, to Thailand.
How has the population composition evolved across the municipal landscape?
Demographic shifts mark the history of the settlement. In 1943, Vietnamese residents constituted 62 percent of the population in Pakse. In contemporary times, the city operates as a central hub for the Laotian Chinese community, with many local businesses owned by individuals of Chinese ancestry. Religiously, the population is predominantly Buddhist, supported by local institutions such as Wat Luang, constructed in 1935 as the largest temple in Pakse, and the Chinese temple Wat Sopsé.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse
Essential geographic, demographic, currency, and travel context verified from primary records.
01 · Q&AWhere is Pakse located and what are its coordinates?
Pakse is situated in Laos at geographic coordinates 15.1202, 105.7990, with an elevation monitored in regional geographic surveys.
02 · Q&AWhat is the population and time zone of Pakse?
Pakse has a recorded population of approximately 77,900 and observes the Asia/Vientiane time zone.
03 · Q&AWhat languages and currency are used in Pakse?
Official and commonly spoken languages in Pakse include LO, French, English, with LAK used for local transactions.
04 · Q&AHow can I check live conditions and daily updates for Pakse?
Today's Atlas provides continuous tracking for Pakse, featuring real-time weather conditions, daylight cycles, local geographic signals, and verified daily briefs.