Pakse is the capital of Champasak Province and the largest urban center in southern Laos, located at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Xe Don River. The city has a strategic position, serving as a gateway to the Bolaven Plateau, the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) area, and heritage sites like Wat Phu. The architectural heritage of French-Laos is still present in the old neighborhoods, churches, and public spaces. The economy mainly relies on agriculture, cross-border trade, and ecotourism. Due to its distance from the capital Vientiane, Pakse has a regional independence and a distinct cultural identity compared to northern Laos.