Central low land plain is surrounded by the hill ranges. The forest on the eastern side of the Mekong river is in the NBCA. On the Thai (western) side is Pha Tham national park of Ubon Ratchathani province. The famous tourist place for eco-tourism is the Bolaven plateau area which actually covers Saravan, Sekong, Champasak and Attapeu provinces. The weather is cool and nice all the year round. There are hilltribe villages in the mountains.

The population includes Tahoy, Lavai, Katang, Alak, Laven, Ngai, Tong, Pako, Kanay, Katu and Kado, etc. Many villages grow coffee, tea and vegetable.

The north-western side of the province at the Vietnamese border had been bombed during the last Indochina war.