Attapeu

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Overflowing with attractions, yet still left off most travellers' itineraries, Attapeu is one of Laos' true hidden gems.

Set in a valley, on the river bank, wedged between Sekong Province to the North, Champasak Province to the west, Vietnam to the east, and Cambodia to the south, languid Attapeu has a lot to offer the intrepid visitor, although very little in the way of tourist infrastructure has been developed to take advantage of this.

A slow-paced town bracing for the inevitable onslaught of tourism, the low-density provincial capital, the same-named provincial capital is recommended if you have the time to get here. Few tuk-tuks seem to traverse the streets, but walking is the best way to explore anyway, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon, and the town grid is unusually straightforward. Mosquitoes are abundant in the rainy season so be sure to protect yourself as malaria is a seasonal risk here.

Within reach of the town are a range of natural sights -- including the Dong Ampham Forest and Xepiane Forest. These two national biodiversity areas, are among the last bastions of Southeast Asia's wilderness. Other attractions include a portion of the historically important Ho Chi Minh trail, cultural items of interest and villages home to many ethnic groups, including the Oye, Tallang, Yae, Lavenh, Yaheune, Lavae, Cheng, Ta Oy, Hmong and Lao Lum.

 

Local entrepreneurs offer treks to villages in the hills around the town, which are still novel for this region and should be considered by the adventurous and culturally sensitive only. Dress conservatively and take adequate sun protection, water and mosquito repellent.

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.

The road from Attapeu to Pakse is terrific, but the buses are appalling and often take six to seven hours to make what should be a two or three hour trip. It is possible to charter vehicles in Pakse, so if you can rustle a group together keep this in mind.

Text and/or map last updated on 10th August, 2009.

More information

Maps
  Attapeu

Further reading
 » Exploring Laos' Bolaven Plateau
 » Southern Laos by scooter

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Attapeu Nong Fa Lake Trekking  In Laos: by hikulli, last reply by somtam2000	2	506

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