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.

Get orientated with a map of Attapeu, Laos

Attapeu reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Is this the least friendly place in Laos?

We arrived in Attapeu from Paksong on 22nd Dec, rather expecting to stay for Christmas. The first negative impression came at the bus station (the Lao usual - about 8km out of town) when a tuktuk driver (one of only two in sight) took 3 attempts to even look at me let alone answer my question - in Lao - about getting into town. Anyway we made it but we just didn't like Attapeu at all. No-one spoke to us (so unlike the rest of Laos!), the restaurant we had lunch in overcharged us; we found the tourist info office with great difficulty and got no help from them and failed to find anywhere much to eat an evening meal in. We decided to cut our losses and head towards Siphandon the next day. However, it took a lot of trudging round in the early morning to find a tuktuk to get back to the bus station. (Had been advised to try the market but drew a blank). We were thankful to get out of Attapeu and reconnect with the lovely friendly Laos we know so well. I'm sure there are interesting things to see in the area but with a total absence of tuktuks and such reluctance to give any info I'm not sure how accessible anything is.

NB In fairness I should add that there seems to be a large Vietnamese population. This is not an anti-VN comment but reflects the fact that many people possibly speak little Lao themselves so although I can usually make myself understood quite well it didn't work here. But that doesn't address the total absence of transport! It's quite scary to feel you might actually be stuck somewhere because it's so difficult even to get to the bus station.
- Sights & activities
- History & culture
- Scenery & environment
- Eat & drink
- Traveller's scene
- Romance
- Value for money
- I'll be back (or not)
By keepontravellin (dabbler)
Written on 20th January, 2012 after a visit to Attapeu in December, 2011
Attapeu Update

We decided to hit Attapeu for New Years for the world famous new years eve parties! ;-)

We stayed two nights and wish we had more time. I have several updates that may or may not be known.

Attapeu Palace is completely leveled and new construction has begun to build a new even larger and more luxurious hotel. It seems silly to me.

We were able to find WiFi in several spots including our resort/guesthouse and the Dok Champa restaurant.

We stayed at Phet Souk Say Resort which is not listed here as accommadation but was wonderful! I have pictures if anyone is interested. The "resort", if you will, is along the Sekong river further outside of town. It can be reached by taking the dirt road towards Sanamxay and taking your first left after the first small bridge. There is an associated resurtant/bar/karoke that had a kickin new years party with plenty of lao dancing and BeeLao on ice. They had zero english speaking staff and appeared to accommodate mostly vacationing Vietnamese and Lao. Nonetheless the hospitality was good. We stayed in riverview bungalows for about 100.000 Kip ... I think.. although budget options were available. Recommended.

Eat breakfast both mornings at a little family spot/side of the road table deal. (Come out of the resort, take a right, walk 50 meters-ish, take a left, walk 25 meters-ish, on your left). This little family run spot was great. The whole family was involved. The father spoke broken english and loved trying it out as well as helping us with our Lao. The Pho, Coffee, and Hospitality/Attitude was Great.

Finally, we tried the Travelfish recommended Ban Laek Tee Neung restaurant and it was great.

If we had more time we would have organized a tour as we were able to ask around and find the telephone number for a tourguide.

Hope This Helps!
- Sights & activities
- History & culture
- Scenery & environment
- Eat & drink
- Traveller's scene
- Romance
- Value for money
- I'll be back (or not)
By Sethlake (dabbler)
Written on 11th January, 2011 after a visit to Attapeu in January, 2011

Also reviewed by Sethlake: Pak Song, Pakse,

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