List of initiatives funded by the CHAMPA Project
AD Center (English and French language center (Ms Malida)
The center provides English and sometimes French classes to young people or adults from Champassak. Come visit it (usually in the late afternoon) if you want to chat with the students!
Traditional Lao desserts
Ms Thatsanee prepares every morning delicious little cakes and traditional sweets that she sells in front of her house. Children and adults love them!
Khampoui Guest House
In addition to rooms and a restaurant, Khampoui Guest House offers scooters and bicycles for rent.
Champasak wellness Space
Want to be pampered or need a break after a busy day of sightseeing? Come and try Ms. Phouvan’s traditional massages.
Homemade restaurant and cooking class
Mr Bounmee’s family restaurant offers traditional Lao cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The place has become a popular spot for tourists. Bounmee speaks English and can also give you some tips for visiting the surrounding area. Homemade also offers cooking classes in the morning or afternoon, which are not to be missed!
Traditional weaving
Ms Khamdeng practices weaving in the traditional way, mixing patterns from northern Laos where she is from and the southern Laos, her adopted country. In her beautifully decorated shop, you can both watch her weave and find great ideas for souvenirs to take back home.
Basketry
Ms Kiewsavanh’s workshop is located on the banks of the Mekong, 300 meters from the Muang Kang temple. Don’t miss a visit by taking the path along the river, in the shade of the bamboos. Kiewsavanh makes, among other things, pretty baskets and will welcome you with her big smile.
A Sanctuary and Wellness Garden
Close to La Folie Lodge, the Garden is a haven of peace and is worth a stop during your discovery of Done Deng Island. It is planted with local species and a sala, a traditional wooden construction hosts yoga class. Access is free.
Khamone restaurant
Khamone Restaurant is located at the entrance to Vat Phou and offers traditional Lao cuisine and cold drinks.
Pakhuan
If you are lucky enough to find her at her home, Ms Sisouk might show you the floral arrangements she makes for traditional ceremonies. Otherwise, the walk to her place will be an opportunity to discover Ban Phaphin, a pretty area of Champasak.
Nongphai lom
Ms Bangon has a small stand at the terminus of the electric shuttle bus that takes visitors on the tour of Vat Phou. She offers some traditional cold drinks, which are very welcome before or after your visit to the site!
Legend dolls
Ms Phosy makes textile dolls based on characters from the Khmer heritage. A gift idea for children?
Basketry shop
The 2 friends (Ms Maniseng and Ampha) have built a showroom to present their work to visitors. It’s located in Vat Amat in the center of the village, in front of Ampha’s house.
Anouxa Kayaking
What better way to discover Champasak’s natural beauty than by kayak down the Mekong River? Embark on an unforgettable half-day tour and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Tours start from Anouxa Guest House, Ban Phoxai.
Thongna Sky
A wooden footbridge leads to the restaurant, which is built on stilts in the middle of the rice paddies. The view over the rice fields and Phou Kao is superb. A magical place for a meal or a cold drink, ideal for enjoying the surrounding serenity!
Coffee Shop, meeting with a local around a coffee
Over a cup of coffee or a cup of tea from the Boloven Plateau, your stopover at Soumontha’s will be an opportunity to chat with Bounmai, her French-speaking husband. He’ll be happy to share some of his memories of Champasak with you. You can also enjoy the delicious cakes from Thatsany, whose shop is just across the road.
Shadow Puppet Theater – Palateu
The shadow and puppet theatre has revived an ancient tradition, bringing together musicians, singers and puppeteers. During high season, the troupe performs 3 times a week at sunset behind the Tourist Information Centre in Champasak town. A must-see on any visit to Champasak!
Ban Phaphin Pier
Ferries operate from sunrise to sunset, crossing the Mekong between Champasak and Ban Muang from the renovated Ban Phaphin pier. The pier is accessible to cars, minivans and buses. The ferry saves precious time when exploring the Boloven Plateau, Phou Asa or the 4000 Islands from Champasak.
Traditional clothes rental and Mak Beng at Vat Sisumang
The village women’s association runs a small shop, renovated by the Champa project, inside Vat Sisumang. Here you can buy « mak beng », small flower arrangements to be placed at the feet of the Buddha, and hire traditional clothes
Pottery shop and class
On the ground floor of his traditional house, Mr Soulivanh presents his creations inspired by the sculptures at Vat Phou and Khmer art. You can also watch him at work. Pottery initiation classes will soon be available!
Wooden house Coffee Shop
The coffee shop is run by 2 sisters, in a beautiful traditional wooden house. It offers a pleasant stopover between the village of Champasak and Vat Phou temple. You can enjoy coffee from the Boloven Plateau, prepared in Italian coffee makers.
Bamboo Bags shop
Ms Manithong, her daughter and a group of women from Tang Kop village specialize in making bamboo bags from materials they source locally. They are very creative and their bags are much appreciated by locals and tourists alike. You’ll be amazed when you visit their workshop, located not far from the road leading to Vat Phou!
Wooden handicraft shop
Mr Oudom draws his inspiration for his wood carvings from Lao traditions. He displays them in his workshop in front of his house.
Nakorn Riverview Guest House and Restaurant
The only electric vehicle charging point in Champasak is in front of the guest house.
Traditional costumes rental Vat Phou
Ms Thinnakone offers visitors who want to visit the Vat Phou site in style or have a photo shoot the chance to hire some traditional Lao clothing.
Local restaurant Done Deng
Finding something to eat on an excursion to Done Deng Island can be a challenge. Phoummy’s restaurant, serving tasty Lao dishes in the village of Houa Done, opposite the Homestay, is an excellent option!
Pottery shop and class
Mr Bounma makes small clay figurines that are easy to take home. You can see him at work. Pottery initiation classes will soon be available!
Basketry showroom, Ban Phantakham
You can see a group of women from the village working in a friendly atmosphere. A visit to the showroom is a good excuse to take a stroll around the village.
Somview Thongnaxai, Restaurant in the rice fields
This restaurant is made up of “salas”, small traditional wooden bungalows, and is beautifully situated in the rice fields, with magnificent views. It’s the perfect place to chill out with friends and experience the Lao way of life.
Homestay in Done Deng
A stay with Mr Vieng and his wife is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience and share the Laotian way of life for a while. Phoumy’s restaurant opposite serves delicious Lao cuisine.
Traditional music shows and class
Mr Lord is a well-known musician and storyteller in the region. Thanks to support from the project, he trains young musicians and gives traditional music concerts on request. An initiation activity for tourists will soon be offered.
Cruise on the Mekong, cruise ship
This comfortable boat offers cruises on the Mekong for individuals or groups of up to 30 people. It also provides the possibility of lunch or dinner on board. Transfer from Pakse to Champasak, excursions in the Champasak area, sunset cruises… there are plenty of options!
Mr Soudchai – Tuk Tuk Driver
Soudchai has many years’ experience as a tuk-tuk driver. 30 years ago, he was already transporting customers, locals and tourists alike, on his Tuk-Tuk.
Khemphet, Bicyle rental in Champasak
In Champasak Town , Mr Khemphet provide to the visitors a good quality mountain bikes !
