Spend five days and travel south in Laos to experience areas seldom explored on a Laos tour. Your trip begins in Pakse with a visit to the pre-Angkorian UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou. You travel by private vehicle and long-tail boat to the 4000 Islands archipelago, where the Mekong River slows and widens. Here, you cycle through rice paddies on Don Khone, view the massive Khone Phapheng and Liphi waterfalls, and connect with locals during a traditional fishing experience and a private island BBQ at sunset. The experience concludes in the cool highlands of the Bolaven Plateau. You meet ethnic minority communities in Katu and Alak villages to learn about their traditions, taste fresh Arabica coffee, and admire the spectacular twin cascades of Tad Fane.
Highlights
Explore Wat Phou Ancient Ruins on a private UNESCO World Heritage tour
Cruise Mekong River Scenic Islands via private boat to peaceful Don Det
View Khone Phapheng Massive Falls, the largest cascade in Southeast Asia
Cycle Don Khone Peaceful Trails past paddies and historic French sites
Visit Liphi Cascading Waterfalls known locally as the Devil's Corridor
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Pakse today where you are met by your private guide and transfer to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou. This ancient pre-Angkorian temple predates Angkor Wat and stands as a vital regional center built across three levels. You explore the lower level’s baray (water reservoir) and promenade, then the second level’s galleries and quadrangular pavilions, before reaching the upper sanctuary. Afterward, you transfer to your hotel in Champasak for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 2: Khone Phapheng Waterfall | Mekong River Cruise
You begin the day with a minivan drive to the massive Khone Phapheng waterfall. This cascading natural wonder historically served as a major barrier to French navigation on the Mekong River. You proceed to the Don Khong boat pier to board your private long-tail boat for a cruise to the 4,000 Islands archipelago. This scenic transfer to the peaceful islands of Don Det and Don Khone takes approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Done Khone to rest or explore at your leisure.
Day 3: Don Khone Cycling Tour | Fishing Experience
After breakfast, you explore Don Khone Island on a half-day guided cycling tour, pedaling past rice paddies, organic gardens, and small villages. You visit the remnants of the historic French narrow-gauge railway, originally built to bypass the rapids, and view the Liphi waterfalls and an antique locomotive. You ride back to the village center to enjoy a bowl of authentic "Kao Piak" noodle soup before returning to your hotel to rest.
Later in the afternoon, you board a wooden boat with a local fisherman to experience the river from a local perspective. You try your hand at casting traditional nets into the water and relax with a cold drink as you drift among the small islands. At dusk, you navigate to a secluded spot where a crackling bonfire awaits. You enjoy a private BBQ dinner featuring Lao specialties while your guide shares local myths and stories, eventually returning to your hotel by boat at your convenience.
After breakfast, you travel toward the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile highland region nestled between the Mekong River and the Annamite mountains. You explore the enduring heritage of the area by visiting local Katu, Ta Oyh, Ngai, and Lao Lum villages to learn about their distinct traditions. You view the spectacular Tad Fane and Tad Yeang waterfalls and discover why this cool landscape is renowned for producing high-quality Arabica coffee.
Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in the Bolaven Plateau to rest or explore at your leisure.
Day 5: Return Pakse
1 Breakfast
This morning, check out and take the ferry boat to meet your driver and transfer to Pakse Airport for your flight onward.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum) + Internal flight cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum charge of $20,000
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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