Best of Southern Laos – 4 Days

Departing from Pakse airport, embark on a journey to the captivating Bolaven Plateau. This remarkable plateau, formed by an ancient volcano, is renowned for its coffee and tea plantations. It also houses tribal villages, where some still practice Stone Age cultures, employing primitive agricultural tools and engaging in frequent spiritual ceremonies.

Commence your exploration with a visit to the majestic Tad Fane waterfalls. Stretching beyond the falls is the vast Dong Hua Sao jungle, the origin of the perfectly synchronized twin cascades that descend into a 200-meter-deep gorge. Continue onwards to the enchanting Tad Champi and Tad Yeung waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation, cascading an impressive 42 meters.

Having experienced these magnificent waterfalls, proceed to a tea and coffee plantation, where you will learn about the suitability of the Bolaven Plateau for these plantations. Return to Pakse and make your way to the boat pier, where you will embark on a relaxing boat cruise to Don Daeng Island for your overnight stay.

Meals not included.

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a drive to Wat Phou, located in the heart of Champasak, the former Royal Capital of the Champa Kingdom. This pre-Angkorian temple, built between the 6th and 13th century, rests on a hillside, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and the Mekong River. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2002, the temple is divided into two parts.

The lower section features two dilapidated palace buildings near a ritual ablution pond. The upper section, the temple sanctuary itself, once enshrined a significant Shiva phallus, known as a linga in Hindu religion, but now mostly lies in ruins. Although converted into a Buddhist temple, remnants of the original Hindu sculptures can still be admired. The magnificent Naga staircase, adorned with snake-head motifs, is enveloped by fragrant frangipani trees, the national flower of Laos.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch while exploring the historic streets of old Champasak Town before returning to Don Daeng Island.

The afternoon is yours to tailor as you wish, with a variety of options available on the island: bicycle ride, spa treatments, activities…

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

After enjoying breakfast, embark on an exploration of the captivating surroundings of the 4,000 Islands. Si Phan Don, an archipelago situated in the Mekong River within the Champasak Province of southern Laos, awaits your discovery. This riverine paradise comprises numerous islands, half of which become submerged during periods of Mekong River flooding. Among the principal islands are Don Khong, the largest, as well as Don Det and Don Khone.

Cross the Mekong by small boat to reach Ban Muang pier. From there, embark on a 1.5-hour overland journey in a private minivan towards the Cambodian border. Your first stop is the boat pier in Ban Nakasang, where you’ll board a small boat for a delightful cruise to Don Khone Island. Once there, you can explore the remnants of the French colonial era, including an old pier, railway station, former French hospital building, and maritime office. Enjoy a delightful lunch on the island, and in the afternoon, visit the enchanting Liphi waterfalls, known as the “Corridor of the Devil.” Local daredevils skillfully set fish traps at the bottom of the falls to catch fresh fish daily.

Return to the mainland and continue your journey to the Khone Phapheng waterfalls. These impressive falls are the main barrier preventing the navigability of the Mekong River into China. Witness the majestic spectacle of the falls, which stretch for an impressive 10 kilometers along the Mekong, and savor the highlights of southern Laos.

Finally, return to Ban Nakasang and transfer overland to the boat pier, where you will embark on a boat cruise back to the Lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast, enjoy your morning free at leisure until your transfer to Pakse airport in time for your onward flight.

The regular check-out time is 12h00. Late check-out is not included and subject to availability.

Meal: Breakfast