3 Days Highlights of Southern Laos
A highlight of Southern Laos is a 3-day, 2-night program designed for groups with limited time, offering a comprehensive experience of the region's most iconic highlights.
Your adventure begins in Pakse, leading to a full-day exploration of the lush Bolaven Plateau (waterfalls, coffee plantations). Delve into ancient history at the majestic Vat Phu (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The journey culminates with an immersive experience in the tranquil 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don), discovering its unique charm. This program efficiently blends cultural heritage, natural beauty, and serene riverine life for a truly grand discovery within a shorter timeframe.
DAY 1: PAKSE - BOLAVEN PLATEAU - PAKSE
Departure: 08.00 hrs
The first stop is the Ban Blacksmith village, spread out alongside the main access road to Bolaven. Several small family-run workshops offer their production of various farming tools, machetes and knives, all forged in simple smithies open for anyone to see. (Note: No work on Buddha days.)
Next, marvel at the towering Tad Fane (120m) and visit Tad Yuang (40m) waterfalls, enjoying views from different angles. Visit Jhai Coffee, a cooperative of 450 families, learning about their quality coffee and community work. After lunch, continue to the Volcano's summit (Phu Krateh). After a short walk, reach the top for a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view, perfect for watching the sunset. This "Million-Year-Old Volcano" stands at 1,300 meters above sea level, a clear sign of the powerful natural forces that shaped this fertile land.
After your visit, you'll travel back to Pakse.
Vehicle Journey: Approximately 170 km
Meals: - / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Pakse hotel & Restaurant
DAY 2: PAKSE - CHAMPASAK - 4,000 ISLANDS
Departure: 08.00 hrs
Begin your exploration at Vat Phou temple (UNESCO): visit the museum, then take a shuttle to explore ancient ruins, climb sacred stairways, and taste holy spring water. Afterward, walk through Champasak town, admiring its mix of old French colonial buildings and local temples, revealing its past as a capital.
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Cross the Mekong by ferry, then continue by car to Tomo temple, an ancient site with unique architecture and serene surroundings. Next, drive to Phou Asa for a rewarding trek to its viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas.
Finally, arrive at Ban Nakasang pier, your gateway to Done Khone island in the 4,000 Islands. Check into Seng Ahloune Resort or equivalent accommodation.
Vehicle Journey: Approximately 118 km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight stay on Done Khone
DAY 3: 4,000 ISLANDS – TRANSFER TO CAMBODIA BORDER OR BACK TO PAKSE
Today, you'll delve deeper into the captivating beauty and history of the 4,000 Islands archipelago, exploring its natural wonders and remnants of its past.
Your day begins with a departure from your hotel by local Tuk-Tuk, a fun and authentic way to navigate the islands. Your first stop will be the impressive Liphi waterfall, also known as Tad Somphamit. This beautiful cascade is a popular spot for its natural beauty and the unique rock formations.
You'll then continue to Khone Pasoiy waterfall, another stunning natural attraction in the area. You'll have time to visit and admire the power and beauty of this waterfall, taking in the serene surroundings.
Next, your journey will take you to the remains of the French presence on the islands. Here, you'll visit the remnants of colonial infrastructure, such as the old railway bridge and locomotive, which speak to a bygone era when the French attempted to navigate the Mekong's rapids. This offers a fascinating historical contrast to the natural beauty of the islands.
You'll then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the fresh flavors of the Mekong region.
After lunch, checkout from your resort, our boat will transfer you back to Ban Nakasang on the mainland.
From Ban Nakasang, you'll embark on a short journey to witness the awe-inspiring Khone Phapheng waterfall. Often referred to as the "Niagara of the East," this is Southeast Asia's largest waterfall by volume, an immense cascade of water crashing over a series of rapids. You'll have time to visit and marvel at its sheer power and scale, a spectacular natural farewell to Laos.
Following your visit to Khone Phapheng, you will be transferred by car to the Nong Nok Khiene Border (Cambodia - Laos Border), where your service concludes.
*Option: Back to Pakse and 1 night in Pakse.
Vehicle Journey: Approximately 32 km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / -
Accommodation: -
TOTAL COVERED DISTANCE: around 320 Kilometers.