This southern city, situated at the confluence of the Xedone and Mekong Rivers is the largest city in Champasak province and was formerly the capital of the Lao Kingdom of Champasak, which was abolished in 1946 when the Kingdom of Laos was formed.

To the south is Si Pan Don (four thousand islands), where the Mekong reaches up to 14km wide during the rainy season and the Khone Phapeng Falls. The town has one of the largest markets in the region and is also home to the Champasak Museum where you can see relics from Wat Phu as well as from the Bolaven Plateau.