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4 Days Southern Laos Escape
A captivating 4-day, 3-night journey through Southern Laos, discovering ancient history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty. Your adventure begins in Pakse, with a full day exploring the Bolaven Plateau's magnificent waterfalls, insightful coffee plantations, and local ethnic villages. From Pakse, you'll then embark on a day of cultural immersion, traveling to Champasak for an invigorating trek through rice fields to unique local sites, culminating at the majestic Vat Phu temple. Afterward, continue directly to the 4,000 Islands for a night immersing yourself in its tranquil embrace, discovering its peaceful waterways before your final transfer to the Cambodia border.
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: B / L / D
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Pakse hotel & Restaurant
DAY 2: PAKSE - CHAMPASAK
Departure: 08.00 hrs
After breakfast, a Tuk-Tuk transfers you to the Pakse pier. Enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic boat journey along the Mekong to Champasak. Check into your hotel.
Your local exploration begins with transfer to Ban Nong Sano. From there, a 40-minute trek through lush rice fields leads to Hong Thao Tao, followed by another 40-minute trek to Hong Nang Sida, both offering tranquil natural beauty and local insights.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to the majestic Vat Phu temple complex (UNESCO), with ample time to explore its ancient ruins and museum.
Take a Tuk-Tuk back to Champasak city to admire its unique blend of French colonial and traditional Lao architecture. Finally, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Vehicle Journey: Approximately 111 km
Meals: B / L / D
Accommodation: Overnight stay at The River Resort or equivalent
*Option: At night full, the Champasak shadow the Palateu Shadow Puppet Theater performs 4 times a week from November to April (on request outside these months) in a show which, depending on the evening, combines theatre, silent film projection and traditional music. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8.15pm, next to the tourist office). In a newly constructed venue next to the tourist office, ancient tales inspired by the Ramayana unfold through intricate shadow puppets, their silhouettes dancing to traditional music. The CHAMPA project also supported the purchase of new traditional instruments and the training of a young generation of artists who will take up the torch in the future.
DAY 3: CHAMPASAK – 4,000 ISLANDS
After crossing the Mekong by ferry, delve into history at Tomo temple, an ancient site with unique architecture. Next, embark on a rewarding trek to Phou Asa's panoramic viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
After working up an appetite, you'll arrive at Ban Nakasang pier, your gateway to Done Khone island, one of the larger and more developed islands in the 4,000 Islands archipelago.
Your journey then continues to the tranquil Done Khone island in the 4,000 Islands. After checking into your accommodation and enjoying lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the island by local Tuk-Tuk. Discover the impressive Liphi (Tad Somphamit) waterfall and the stunning Khone Pasoiy waterfall, admiring their natural power and beauty. Conclude your island exploration by visiting the fascinating remnants of French colonial presence, including the old railway and locomotive, providing a glimpse into a bygone era.
Vehicle Journey: Approximately 93 km
Meals: B / L / D
Accommodation: Overnight at Seng Ahloune Resort or equivalent
DAY 4: 4,000 ISLANDS - TRANSFER TO CAMBODIA BORDER OR BACK TO PAKSE
Your final day in Laos begins with a return journey to the mainland, showcasing one last natural marvel before your onward travel.
After breakfast at your resort on Done Khone, you'll transfer 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: B / - / -
Accommodation: -
TOTAL COVERED DISTANCE: around 428 Kilometers.