The memorable run in Pakse is across the Lao-Nippon Bridge to the Golden Buddha, which sits at the base of Salao Mountain (Phou Salao). There are options to add to this with the road along the Mekong River, and some hilly, challenging trail running on Salao. Our thanks to Lena Andersson of Go! Running Tours for suggesting this route!PRO TIP: Special at sunset.
Photo: Lena Andersson
The main route is a ~7 km out & back from the center of Pakse to the Golden Buddha. Use the No. 38 Rd. to access the Lao-Nippon Bridge. This is an impressive, 1.2 km cable-strayed bridge over the Mekong River, featuring a decent pedestrian sidewalk and great views of the river & countryside. Just across the bridge off 16w, you’ll see the entrance to the Wat Phousalao Buddhist Temple complex. There’s the giant Golden Buddha and 100+ smaller Buddhas, reached by stairs/paths. Notes: Very hilly around the Buddha. Exercise the proper respect around the Buddhas. For the direct return, retrace your steps.
Adding Around Phou Salao
Photo: Lena Andersson
There’s a network of rugged roads and trails around the mountain, including a ~4.5 ‘Around the Hill’ trail. Note that the trail is rugged & very hilly, and can be wet & muddy during rainy season. This is a challenging run! Cliff Viewpoint & Firefly Viewpoint are two worthy destinations on the mountain.
Adding in Pakse
In Pakse itself, the running isn’t great. There’s a road along the Mekong River that goes for ~2.5 km. For much of this, such as in the area of the Wat Luang Temple, there’s a path/riverwalk between the river and the road. In some sections, there are street vendors on the sidewalk.
You can also run on the network of small roads north of the main #13 Road. It’s a mix of residential areas and farming fields in this area. There’s also a dirt road/path along the Xe Don River that stretches for a couple of km, but it’s quite muddy and not that runner-friendly.
The memorable run in Pakse is across the Lao-Nippon Bridge to the Golden Buddha, which sits at the base of Salao Mountain (Phou Salao). There are options to add to this with the road along the Mekong River, and some hilly, challenging trail running on Salao. Our thanks to Lena Andersson of Go! Running Tours for suggesting this route!PRO TIP: Special at sunset.
Photo: Lena Andersson
The main route is a ~7 km out & back from the center of Pakse to the Golden Buddha. Use the No. 38 Rd. to access the Lao-Nippon Bridge. This is an impressive, 1.2 km cable-strayed bridge over the Mekong River, featuring a decent pedestrian sidewalk and great views of the river & countryside. Just across the bridge off 16w, you’ll see the entrance to the Wat Phousalao Buddhist Temple complex. There’s the giant Golden Buddha and 100+ smaller Buddhas, reached by stairs/paths. Notes: Very hilly around the Buddha. Exercise the proper respect around the Buddhas. For the direct return, retrace your steps.
Adding Around Phou Salao
Photo: Lena Andersson
There’s a network of rugged roads and trails around the mountain, including a ~4.5 ‘Around the Hill’ trail. Note that the trail is rugged & very hilly, and can be wet & muddy during rainy season. This is a challenging run! Cliff Viewpoint & Firefly Viewpoint are two worthy destinations on the mountain.
Adding in Pakse
In Pakse itself, the running isn’t great. There’s a road along the Mekong River that goes for ~2.5 km. For much of this, such as in the area of the Wat Luang Temple, there’s a path/riverwalk between the river and the road. In some sections, there are street vendors on the sidewalk.
You can also run on the network of small roads north of the main #13 Road. It’s a mix of residential areas and farming fields in this area. There’s also a dirt road/path along the Xe Don River that stretches for a couple of km, but it’s quite muddy and not that runner-friendly.
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