| Duration: | 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Southern Laos is a real treat—pass through beautiful countryside, tea and coffee plantations, and magnificent waterfalls. Follow scenic routes along the banks of the Mekong River on quiet roads and island-hop through the 4,000 Islands for a trip you won’t forget!
Day 1: Arrive at Pakse Airport – Champasak – Wat Phou – Don Daeng
Upon arrival at Pakse Airport, transfer directly to the pier for a boat trip along the Mekong River to the charming colonial town of Champasak. From Champasak, take a short 11 km transfer by road to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou.
Wat Phou dates back to the 6th century and was one of the earliest temples built by the Khmer Empire. It served as the center of the Khmer Kingdom before the capital was moved to Angkor. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple, it was later converted into a Buddhist site.
After returning to Champasak, cross over to your eco-friendly hotel on Don Daeng Island. You will have time to enjoy the pool, take a walk along the beach, or simply relax.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Baci ceremony and dinner at a community eco-homestay with a local family.
Accommodation: La Folie Lodge (Superior Room)
Day 2: Don Daeng – Oum Muong – Ban Kiet Ngong – Don Khong
After breakfast, cross the Mekong River back to the mainland at Ban Muang. Drive to the ancient Khmer temples of Huei Tomo and experience rural life, along with a visit to the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong.
Continue south to Ban Kiet Ngong, located in the Xe Pian National Protected Area, where you will have lunch.
After lunch, take a 1-hour walk (approximately 3 km) to the top of Phu Asa to visit the temple ruins. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Xe Pian wetlands below. The descent takes about 45 minutes.
After exploring Phu Asa, transfer to the 4,000 Islands region, specifically Don Khong, where you will stay overnight.
Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 3: Don Khong – Don Khone
After breakfast, you can either drive or cycle around Don Khong to visit local communities producing palm sugar and explore a local temple, before taking a boat ride through the 4,000 Islands.
Pass Don Som and Don Det, and the old railway that starts at Don Det and crosses the French railway bridge to Don Khone, extending to Hang Khone near the Cambodian border.
This railway was built to bypass the waterfalls created by the Mekong River’s fault line and facilitate trade.
Upon arrival at Don Khone, check in to your bungalow overlooking the Mekong River and the old French bridge. (Cycling distance: 18 km)
After check-in, visit Liphi Waterfall by bicycle or tuk-tuk, then continue to the southern tip of Don Khone (Hang Khone). Take a boat ride to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins before returning to your bungalow.
Accommodation: Seng Ahloune Resort (Standard River View Room)
Day 4: Don Khone – Bolaven Plateau – Tad Lo Waterfall
After breakfast, cross to the mainland at Ban Nakasang and visit Khon Phapheng, the largest waterfall on the Mekong River, formed by erosion along the Mekong fault line.
Continue north to the Bolaven Plateau, where the road gradually ascends in elevation. The volcanic soil in this region supports excellent tea and coffee plantations, thriving in the cooler climate.
Visit local plantations and learn about tea and coffee processing before continuing to Tad Fane Waterfall. Located at an elevation of 1,100 meters, Tad Fane features two dramatic cascades plunging 120 meters off the plateau.
A further 2 km away is Tad Yuang Waterfall, which offers a beautiful viewpoint and the opportunity to walk down and even take a refreshing dip.
Continue north past Paksong into Salavan Province. Stop at the village of Kok Pung Tai, where you can learn about local traditions, including the unique practice of crafting coffins before death.
Proceed to Tad Lo, arriving in the late afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the waterfall and enjoying the tranquility of the area.
(~3–4 hours by road, 265 km)
Accommodation: Tad Lo Lodge (Standard Room)
Day 5: Tad Lo – Phasuam Waterfall – Pakse
Wake up early to witness elephants bathing in the cool waterfall. After breakfast at 8:30 AM, your local guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you on a short walk along a stream to a Katu ethnic village, where you can experience their culture and traditions firsthand.
(~4–5 hours trekking, 10 km)
Return to the lodge and continue your journey around the Bolaven Plateau, stopping at Lao Ngam village, home to the Katu people, known for their strong silk-weaving traditions. You can browse and purchase beautifully crafted garments made by local villagers.
Before returning to Pakse, visit one final waterfall—Tad Phasuam. This distinctive circular-shaped waterfall flows into a deep pool and is featured on many postcards of Laos.
Upon arrival in Pakse, visit Wat Phou Salao (Golden Buddha) for sunset and enjoy panoramic views of the city before transferring to your hotel.
Accommodation: Athena Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 6: Pakse – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to the airport or your onward destination.
Price Includes:
Accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis
English-speaking guide
All entrance fees
Private transport
Government taxes
Boat trips/boat tickets
Drinking water
Breakfast meals only
Price Excludes:
Visa/border fees
Personal expenses
All flight tickets
Travel insurance
Drinks/alcohol
Lunch and dinner
