| Duration: | 5 Day(s) - 4 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
This “Lost in Laos” day tour explores the highlights of Southern Laos, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou, an elephant ride to Phu Asa Temple in the heart of the Xe Pian Protected Area, and the wetlands of Si Phan Don, where you can enjoy kayaking, rafting, or a scenic boat ride.
Day 1: Arrive Pakse – Champasak – Wat Phou
Upon arrival at Pakse Airport, you will be transferred to the pier for a boat trip along the Mekong River from Pakse to the charming colonial town of Champasak, before continuing another 11 km to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou.
Wat Phou dates back to the 6th century and was among the earliest temples built by the Khmer Empire. It once 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 exploring Wat Phou, return to Champasak, check in to your hotel, and enjoy free time at your leisure.
Accommodation: The River Resort (Riverfront Room)
Day 2: Champasak – Wat Oum Muong – Ban Kiet Ngong – Don Khong
After breakfast at 9:00 AM, cross the Mekong River and drive to Huei Thamo village to explore rural life and visit the mysterious forest temple of Oum Muong.
Continue to Ban Kiet Ngong, located in the Xe Pian National Protected Area, for 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 panoramic views of the Xe Pian wetlands. 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, explore Don Khong, visiting local communities where palm sugar is produced and local temples.
Later, enjoy a boat ride through the 4,000 Islands, passing Don Som and Don Det. The old railway line begins 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 waterfalls along the Mekong River, facilitating trade routes.
Upon arrival at Don Khone, check in to your bungalow overlooking the Mekong River and the French bridge.
Afterward, visit Liphi Waterfall by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Continue to the southern tip of Don Khone (Hang Khone), where you will take a boat to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Return to your bungalow and enjoy free time at leisure.
Accommodation: Seng Ahloune Resort (Standard River View Room)
Day 4: Don Khone – Pakse
After breakfast, depart Don Khone and cross to the mainland at Ban Nakasang. Visit Khon Phapheng, the largest waterfall on the Mekong River, formed by erosion along the Mekong fault line.
After visiting the waterfall, transfer to Pakse.
Upon arrival in Pakse, continue to visit Dao Huang Market and Wat Phou Salao, which offer excellent views over the city. After the visit, check into your hotel and enjoy free time at leisure.
(~2–3 hours by road, 145 km)
Accommodation: Athena Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 5: Pakse – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to Pakse Airport for your departure flight.
Price Includes:
Accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis
Private transport with air conditioning
All entrance fees
All activities as mentioned in the program
All boat trips/boat tickets
Tuk-tuk / songthaew as mentioned in the program
Breakfast meals only
English-speaking guide
Drinking water
Government taxes
Price Excludes:
Drinks
Alcohol
Visa/border fees
All flights
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Lunch and dinner