What to do in Champasak

Sitting pretty on the banks of the Mekong River, Champasak is a nature-lover's dream. Set out on a boat trip round the 4,000 Islands archipelago to spy incredible numbers of birdlife, tiny villages, ancient ruins and a collection of beautiful beaches. Or meander down the Mekong on a kayak with your eyes peeled for endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Bank on land, Champasak town was once an independent royal capital, which is reflected in the ornate architecture. One of its greatest sights is the Wat Phou ruins, which are believed to have been a blueprint for Angkor Wat. Get to know the local customs with a visit to bamboo basket makers, silk weavers and nearby markets overflowing with handicrafts.