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6 Days in the Heart of Southern Laos
A captivating 6-day, 5-night journey through Southern Laos, discovering ancient history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty. The 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 travel to Champasak for an invigorating trek through rice fields to unique local sites, culminating at the majestic Vat Phu temple. The next day, enjoy a charming cycling tour through Champasak, visiting local workshops and significant temples, before a serene boat transfer to Done Deng Island for a traditional Baci ceremony and homestay. Conclude your journey with two nights immersing yourself in the tranquil embrace of the 4,000 Islands, 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: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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: CYCLING IN CHAMPASAK – DONE DENG
Departure: 08.00 hrs
Begin your day with a prompt departure from your hotel in Champasak at 8:00 AM.
The meeting point will be Wat Phoxay (Phoxay Temple) where you will convene with your local guide. Prior to commencing the activity, the guide will outline the program and conduct a comprehensive check of all bicycles to ensure readiness.
Begin cycling to a local pottery workshop, observing clay works inspired by Khmer motifs. Continuing to Mrs. Khamdeang’s weaving workshop, exploring handmade textiles.
Cycle 1.5 hours through stunning rice paddies, immersing in village life. En route to Wat Muang Kao, stop at a Bamboo Bag Workshop by a women's collective.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Resume cycling from Wat Muang Kao, passing Ban Phanone's church and riverside fishing communities. Visit Wat Muang Kang, the area's oldest temple, is noted for its diverse architecture. Conclude at Mrs. Kiewsavanh’s basketry showroom.
A boat then transfers you to Done Deng Island for an overnight stay, featuring a traditional Baci ceremony and local dinner.
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Vehicle Journey: Approximately 25 km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight stay at homestay
DAY 4: DONE DENG – 4,000 ISLANDS
Your day unfolds with the serene beauty of Tak Bat, the traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony, a truly spiritual immersion.
Cross the Mekong by the ferry and continue by car to Tomo temple, an ancient whisper of history nestled in tranquil surroundings. Afterward, ascend Phou Asa by car and on foot, reaching a viewpoint that promises breathtaking panoramic vistas. Rejuvenate with a delightful lunch at a local eatery, savoring authentic regional flavors.
The afternoon ushers you to Hat Saikhoune pier, your charming gateway to the famed 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don). A boat gracefully navigates to Done Som Island, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll, discovering the authentic lives of local fishermen, a quiet temple, and a village school.
Finally, sail to Done Khone island, checking into the lovely Seng Ahloune Resort (or similar). The evening culminates in a peaceful dinner and restful overnight stay, serenaded by the Mekong's timeless tranquility.
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Vehicle Journey: Approximately 97 km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at Seng Ahloune Resort or equivalent
DAY 5: 4,000 ISLANDS TOUR
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.
In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to experience island life at a leisurely pace as you bicycle to visit Done Deth. This charming island is connected to Done Khone by an old French bridge, and cycling around allows you to observe the local villages, rice paddies, and the tranquil pace of island life.
After your cycling excursion, you'll arrive back at your hotel for a chance to refresh.
Vehicle Journey: Approximately 13 km
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at Seng Ahloune Resort or equivalent
DAY 6: 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: Breakfast / - / -
Accommodation: -
TOTAL COVERED DISTANCE: around 448 Kilometers.