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Coffee berries

Southern Laos

Lao's Mekong River - Example 5 Day Tour
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Spend five days and travel south in Laos to experience areas seldom explored on a Laos tour. Witness the coffee production process on the Bolaven Plateau, explore breathtaking waterfalls such as Tad Fane and Li Phi Waterfalls in the 4,000 Islands region along the Mekong River. Travel through the enchanting Champasak region and see the famed Wat Phou temple. This unique Laos tour can also be combined with travel to Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Wat Phu Champasak templeTad Fane Waterfall, Bolaven PlateauWat Phu castle at ChampasakLi Phi waterfalls, Southern LaosNoodles in LaosBuddha statueCoffee berries
Highlights
  • Explore the Mekong River and its waterfalls and the 4,000 Islands region
  • Visit the region's small villages which still carry on ancient traditions
  • Interact with Asian elephants and meet the mahouts, the elephant trainers
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive to Pakse

Arrive to Pakse today where you are met by your guide and transfer to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Bolaven Plateau

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Today travel towards the Bolaven Plateau, located between the Mekong River and the Annamite mountains. This region was largely inhabited by the Laven ethnic group in the past, and their traditions still carry on in some minority villages in the plateau. Visit the village of Katu, Ta Oyh, Ngai and some Lao lum villages today. Learn a bit about the tribes and their cultures, as well as visit the famed waterfalls of Tad Fane and Tad Phasuam in this area. The Bolaven Plateau is more recently known for its agricultural production, namely its Arabica coffee. Settle into your hotel this evening.

Day 3: Champasak - Don Khone

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby. Then take a private transfer to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple that predates Angkor Wat. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Wat Phou boasts a pre-angkorian temple structure built upon three levels. In its early days, this temple served as the region's primary economic and political hub. The lower level emphasizes the baray (water reservoir) and the promenade connecting to the second level, which includes galleries and quadrangular pavilions. The upper level houses the sanctuary itself.

Following your visit to Wat Phou, you'll continue by minivan to the Don Khong boat pier, where your boat is waiting. You'll cruise on a private local boat (long trail boat) to the serene islands of Don Det and Don Khone on the Mekong River. The journey takes approximately 2 hours to reach Don Khone, providing a relaxing experience.

Day 4: Don Khone

Don Khone Island was pivotal in the French colonization of South East Asia. However, the waterfalls of 4,000 islands posed a significant barrier to French naval ambitions. During this half-day exploration led by your guide, you'll embark on a biking journey through rice paddies, small villages, and organic gardens. This tour includes visiting the old narrow-gauge railway, constructed by the French colonists to bypass the waterfalls, the Liphi waterfalls themselves, and an exploration of an old railway engine car. Additionally, you'll embark on a river cruise to Cambodia, where you can enjoy an Angkor Beer and take in the scenery. As the day comes to a close, you'll bike back to the village center to savor a delicious and authentic "Kao Piak" noodle soup before returning to your hotel.

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.

Accommodations

Pakse - Hotels

Muang Champassak - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,045 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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