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