Champassak Province occupies an area of 15,415 square kilometres and has a total population of 603,880 people (2005 census). It comprises 10 districts – Muang Bachiangchaleunsuk, Muang Champassak, Muang Khong, Muang Mounlapamok, Muang Pakse, Muang Paksong, Muang Pathumphon, Muang Phonthong, Muang Sanasombun and Muang Sukuma. In addition to the majority Lao population, Austro-Thai speakers are represented here by Lao Isaan (Tai-Kadai/Tay-Thai/South Western Tay-Thai/Lao-Lu); and Austro-Asiatic speakers by Loven and Nha Heun (Mon-Khmer/Bahnaric) and Katang, Kui, Nghe and Ta-oi (Mon-Khmer/Katuic). The provincial capital, Pakse, is situated at the confluence of the Se river and the Mekong (Pakse means 'mouth of the Se') and is a busy trading town. Champassak Province is home to one of Asia's greatest but least visited temples, Wat Phu Champassak. The province also houses much of the Bolaven Plateau, an area inhabited by numerous ethnic minorities. To the south is Siphandone (‘Four Thousand Islands’), where the Mekong reaches up to 14 kilometres in width during the rainy season, and one of Laos' major natural heritage sites, the Khone Phapheng Waterfall. Pakse is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area. The town has one of the largest markets in the region and the Champassak Provincial Historic Heritage Museum where visitors can see relics from Wat Phu as well as artefacts from the Bolaven Plateau.