Region: Southern Laos> Province: Bolikhamsai> Location: Paksan

Paksan

Noodle shops are the go in downtown Paksan. Out opposite the bus station are two restaurants, the Nang Deth and the Vong Houng, both of which cater mainly to evening crowds and serve basic Lao fare. Closer to town there are handful of no-name restaurants, one of which has an English menu on the wall and another which serves a set meal of a mixture of BBQ pork, shallots, rice noodles, basil, etc., wrapped up in lettuce leaves and dipped in peanut sauce. Delicious, and the portions are extremely generous. Opposite the Pakxan Phattana Hotel is a small cafe which at night serves up some delightful sweets. For breakfast there is standard noodle fare at any of the above or fresh baguettes and fruit can be picked up at the market. The Sinthavong Restaurant, between the Manolom Guest House and the road leading to the port, specialises in offal foe. In the evenings, you might seek out another place along the port road -- the kitchen is on one side of the road, and the seating is on the other side. The speciality is barbecued chicken, and it's a popular drinking spot for locals.