population: 0.7 million

extension: 15,415 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Champasak, Laos and interested in visiting museums, one place you may want to consider is the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. It features exhibits on local history and culture, including artifacts from the ancient city of Wat Phou. If you are interested in similar museums nearby, you may consider visiting the Savannakhet Provincial Museum located in Savannakhet or the Lao National Museum in Vientiane.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Champasak, Laos according to local people are:

1. Laap: A traditional Lao minced meat salad made with either chicken, beef or fish mixed with herbs, spices, and lime juice.

2. Khao Poon: A spicy rice noodle soup made with a coconut milk broth, lemongrass, galangal, and chili paste. It's usually served with vegetables, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.

3. Tam Mak Hoong: A spicy green papaya salad that's a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It's made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, beans, peanuts, and chili peppers.

4. Mok Pa: A fish dish that's wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. The fish is mixed with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables before being steamed or grilled.

5. Sai Oua: A type of Lao sausage made with ground pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili paste. It's typically served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.

6. Or Lam: A hearty stew made with pork or beef, eggplant, long beans, pumpkin, and bamboo shoots. It's flavored with a mix of herbs such as dill, basil, and coriander.

7. Ping Kai: Grilled chicken marinated in a blend of garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce. It's often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people in Champasak, Laos enjoy:

1. Visit Wat Phou Temple: This ancient temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Laos.

2. Take a boat tour on the Mekong River: The Mekong River flows through Champasak, providing a great opportunity to see the lush scenery and traditional villages along its banks.

3. Explore the Bolaven Plateau: This area is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and stunning views. Visitors can rent motorbikes or hire a guide to explore the area.

4. Attend a local festival: Lao people love to celebrate festivals, and Champasak has several throughout the year, such as the Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) and the Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) festival.

5. Try Lao cuisine: Champasak and the surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to try delicious Lao food, including fish dishes, sticky rice, and spicy papaya salad.