Highlight of Pakse – 4 days

We explore the beautiful region of Pakse, located in the southern part of Laos, also home to the famous ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou from the 5th century and the awe-inspiring Khone Pabeng waterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia! The surrounding forests teem with flourishing vegetation and you will be greeted by the friendly, waving locals as we vist a few villages. You will take a trip to the Boloven Plateau, which will provide you with a refreshing break from the heat and allow you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea and crops on our way.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, G = Guide

On arrival at Pakse, you will be met and taken by road west into the Bolevean Plateau. The Bolevean Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. The area is famous for its many waterfalls, and the most beautiful of these falls, Tad Fan, we visit. Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region.  In the afternoon you’ll arrive at Tad Lo, home to another scenic waterfall and numerous ethnic minority groups. You’ll visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu before overnighting in Tad Lo.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out towards Khong Island. On the way you’ll make a short detour to visit Pha Suam waterfall and to explore the ethnic minority villages of Lao Teung. You’ll continue to travel by road via Pakse town crossing the Mekong by ferry to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. Wat Phou is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 5th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. You’ll continue your journey by motorboat to Don Khong, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Khong.

Following breakfast, you’ll enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a long tail boat tour of the Don Khone area, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". You’ll return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is a really impressive near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Afterwards you’ll drive back to Pakse. Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure flight.  

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

*        Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room.

*        Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above

*        Boats cruise as programme.

*        Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.

*        The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary

*        Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.

*        Lunches and dinners, as specified, in the good local restaurants, picnics where suitable restaurants are not available.

*        VAT and other taxes

Our price does not include:

*        International flight tickets and airport tax.

*        Domestic flight ticket and airport taxs

*        Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax

*        Dinners, except as specified above.

*        Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

*        Insurance.    

Hotel list for Two-Stars standard:

*        Tadlo: Tadlo Lodge Hotel (** good local standard, in the centre) or similar

*        Khong Island: Sala Done Khong Hotel (** a lovely French colonial cottage with the sweeping view on the mighty Mekong River) or similar

*        Pakse: Pakse Hotel (** once the first big building constructed under the supervision of Jao Boon Oum, last King of Southern Lao; located in the centre of Pakse, within walking distance from the Mekong River) or similar

Hotel list for Three-Stars standard:

*        Tadlo: Tadlo Sayse Hotel (**) or similar

*        Khong Island: Villa Muong Khong Hotel (** centrally located in the downtown area with a beautiful view of the Mekong River) or similar

*        Pakse: Champasak Palace Hotel (*** elegantly located in the heart of Pakse; originally constructed to be a palace of Jao Boon Oum, the last king of life (Jao Ma Ha Chee Vit) in southern Laos) or similar