Vientiane & Southern Laos Tour

Explorer Laos Tour

This trip takes you from the capital of Laos, Vientiane, through thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Southern Laos is a real treat, offering a journey through beautiful countryside.

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane – Hotel

Upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and enjoy free time at your leisure.

Accommodation: Ansara Hotel (Savvy Room)

Day 2: Vientiane – City Tour – Buddha Park

After breakfast, we begin with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha (now located in Bangkok, Thailand).

We then take a short drive across the city to see the national symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa, followed by a stop at the imposing Patuxay Monument, often referred to as the Arc de Triomphe of Laos, a reminder of the French colonial period.

After lunch, we drive to Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, a sculpture park located about 27 km southeast of Vientiane along the Mekong River. The statues here are made of cement and are both ornate and sometimes bizarre, yet admired for their artistry.

On the way back to central Vientiane, we will also stop at the Beer Lao factory.

Accommodation: Ansara Hotel (Savvy Room)

Day 3: Vientiane – Pakse – Wat Phou Champasak – Don Khong

After an early breakfast, transfer to Wattay Airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival at Pakse Airport, we head south by road to the town of Ban Muang. From here, cross the river 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 one of the earliest temples built by the Khmer Empire. It was once the center of the Khmer Kingdom before the capital moved to Angkor. Originally a Hindu temple, it was later converted into a Buddhist site.

After exploring Wat Phou, return to Champasak for lunch overlooking the Mekong River. Later, transfer to Don Khong, the largest of the 4,000 islands, where you will spend the night.

(~2–3 hours by road, 165 km)

Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 4: Don Khong – Don Khone

Enjoy a boat ride through the 4,000 Islands, passing Don Som and Don Det. The old railway line begins at Don Det and continues over the French railway bridge to Don Khone, extending all the way to Hang Khone near the Cambodian border.

This railway was built to bypass the waterfalls along the Mekong River, facilitating trade routes.

Upon arrival at Don Khone, check into 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, known as Hang Khone, where you will take a boat ride to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Return to your bungalow and enjoy free time at leisure.

Accommodation: Seng Ahloune Resort (Deluxe River Room)

Day 5: Don Khone – Bolaven Plateau – Pakse

After breakfast, depart Don Khone and cross to the mainland at Ban Nakasang. Continue south to visit Khon Phapheng, the largest waterfall on the Mekong River, formed by erosion along the Mekong fault line.

Next, drive to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its volcanic soil that supports excellent tea and coffee plantations. Visit local plantations and learn about their processing methods.

Continue to Tad Fane Waterfall, located at an elevation of 1,100 meters, featuring two dramatic cascades dropping 120 meters.

A short distance away is Tad Yuang Waterfall, a great spot for a swim or photos. Then visit Tad Paxuam, where you can learn about the ethnic tribes living on the plateau.

Return to Pakse.

(~3–4 hours by road, 260 km)

Accommodation: Athena Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 6: Pakse – Departure

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

Price Includes:

Accommodation as mentioned in the program

Private transport with air conditioning

English-speaking guide

All entrance fees

Boat trips / boat tickets

Tuk-tuk or songthaew

Domestic flight from Vientiane to Pakse

Breakfast meals only

Drinking water

Government taxes

Price Excludes:

Drinks

Alcohol

Visa/border fees

International flights

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Lunch and dinner