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

Activities

Places Visited

Asia
Laos
Southeast Asia
Bolaven Plateau
Don Khone
Li Phi Falls
Pakse
Si Phan Do
Wat Phou

Trip Type:

Independent

Activity Level: Relaxed

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive to Pakse

Hotels

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

Day 2: Bolaven Plateau

Hotels
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: 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.

Accommodations

Pakse - Hotels

Name: Laos Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (270 reviews)

Pakse Hotel

Starting as a cinema and casino in 1962, the Pakse Hotel is full of culture and history. In 2003 it was completely renovated into a hotel that is now within walking distance of the Mekong River, banks, shops and the bus station. With cozy rooms, a roof-top restaurant and a view of the city, it is a great place to stay to experience Laos.

Residence Sisouk

The Residence Sisouk overlooks the Sedone River in the center of Pakse. It is near shopping and restaurants and close to Wat Luang. It offers sixteen rooms which include the deluxe room, superior room and standard room.

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Athena Hotel

Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Athena Hotel offers accommodation in Pakse, 300 meters from the Vietnam Consulate. It is also 700 meters from the Pakse Hospital and 3 kilometers from the Pakse International Airport. The hotel offers three room options. They are the standard twin room, deluxe twin room and standard double room.

Bolaven Plateau - Hotels

Baan E-Tu Waterfall Resort

Baan E-Tu Waterfall Resort is surrounded by nature and waterfalls in Southern Laos. It offers 36 rooms that are divided into three types: standard, superior and deluxe. Enjoy a quiet outdoor experience with all the modern amenities.

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Sinouk Coffee Resort

Sinouk Coffee Resort offers three room types. They are the Chalet 1, 2 and 3. It is owned by Sinouk who began the coffee plantation in 1997. Among the gardens is a restaurant and a cafe. The coffee plantation has both Arabica and Robusta coffee.

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$1,013

Notes

Select a Date

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Included

2 Breakfasts
4 Nights Accommodations
4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Meals as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Professional, bilingual guide service as listed
Excursions and activities as listed

Excluded

Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Tourist Visa

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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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.

Lindsay Gompf

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