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.
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
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: Wat Phou & 4,000 Islands | Elephant Camp
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Continue south today towards the Si Phan Do, or 4,000 islands region located in the middle of the Mekong River. Half of the islands are submerged during high water, and the rest are able to be explored by boat and ferry. Along the way you stop to visit the Khmer Temple of Wat Phou. This 11th century temple is now a Theravada Buddhist worship center and represents the easternmost border of the Khmer's empire. Visit also an Elephant Camp today and see how the handlers (or "mahouts") train these giant friendly animals. You may have the opportunity to ride one of the elephants to the top of Phou Asa to see the mysterious ruins there. Continue on to the 4,000 islands by bus and boat this afternoon. Settle into your bungalow that is built overlooking the running waters of the Mekong River.
Day 4: Li Phi Falls & Irrawaddy Dolphins
1 Breakfast
Today is spent exploring the region. Visit the famous Li Phi Falls and learn the history of how these waterfalls helped thwart French efforts to open the Mekong River up to navigation. Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins also live in these waters. Keep your eyes open and see if you can spot them in the rushing waters. Visit also the small gauge railway and Colonial Bridge built by the French to circumnavigate these waterfalls.
Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the area more on your own or spend time relaxing overlooking the river's edge.
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 $400, 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 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
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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