A trip to Paksé ideally includes a detour toward the village of Ban Khiet Ngong and the Xé Pian protected area. It's an essential stop for authentic travel through Laos.

Like Ban Pha Pho, Ban Khiet Ngong is one of the small towns that has gained renown thanks to its elephant herds. Highly prized by travelers, this remote settlement in southern Laos captivates with its rural atmosphere, peaceful charm, its touch of savanna, and hints of safari adventure. Beyond its magnificent pachyderms, other curiosities here deserve exploration.

Discovering Ban Khiet Ngong

Ban Khiet Ngong sits roughly 40 kilometers south of the town of Champassak (in Champassak province) and 54 kilometers south of Paksé. More precisely, it lies south of the Bolovens Plateau highlands and east of the Xe Khong plain.

Nestled along the edges of the Xé Pian protected zone, this rural village is the ideal place to encounter impressive Asian elephants and indulge in savanna landscapes. Moreover, Ban Khiet Ngong reflects authentic Laotian traditional culture—a world far removed from the tumult of major cities.

Elephants and Escape

Barely upon arrival, you'll spot several of these magnificent creatures wandering about the village. Once domesticated for logging operations, they fell victim to obvious mistreatment. These practices were abandoned following the timber trade ban. Today, they contribute to local tourism, delighting visitors from across the globe. The elephants belong to villagers but are overseen by the village's tourism promotion organization.

The mahouts care for and cherish their elephants, viewing them as family members while championing the region's popularity.

Activities here include excursions up Mount Phou Asa or treks to the distant village of Ta Ong, home to the Brown people. These expeditions also reveal the singular biodiversity of the region—birds of various species, Asian black bears, other large mammals, yellow-cheeked gibbons, pangolins, gaurs, water buffalo, and more—as well as the village wetlands with their great white herons.

Toward the Ruins of Mount Phou Asa

Exploring Ban Khiet Ngong means trekking the slopes of Phou Asa, also situated within the Xé Pian protected zone. Climbing this volcanic plateau, with its lunar-like appearance, can be accomplished on foot.

Undertaking this journey to the temple ruins is an unforgettable experience. At the summit, this archaeological site reveals a unique arrangement of flat stones dating back between the 10th and 11th centuries. According to local legends, these ruins are remnants of a former fortress belonging to a king of Attapeu province.

From Paksé, there are three ways to reach this rural village:

• By bus

Head to Paksé's southern terminal, board a bus heading to Veun Khan, and get off at the crossroads toward the village. From there, take a shared taxi or songthaew to arrive at your destination.

• By songthaew

Once daily, this shared taxi offers direct service between the two towns.

• By motorbike rental

Follow Route 13 to Ban Thang Bend (40 km). Then turn east on the dirt road 18A heading toward Attapeu. Some 7.5 km further, turn right toward the south. The village is 1 km away.

What to Do?

• Take a photo safari around the village and within the Xé Pian National Reserve
• Organize a trek up Mount Phou Asa and through Xé Pian
• Visit neighboring villages
• Immerse yourself in local culture and interact with residents
• Observe Asian elephants