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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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 observe the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, one of Earth's few freshwater dolphin species. 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.
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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 185 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 185 reviews on
5 hours ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
1 day ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.
Thomas Brayshaw
2 days ago
Prompt, professional and friendly service!
Jimmie
3 days ago
Easiest trip to plan ever. We received quick answers and Mary was very knowledgeable about different areas of the world that we had questions about.
We have book 2 trips, FABULOUS trip to Antartica which we have already taken and just booked for a future trip to Africa.
Michelle
3 days ago
Planning service is personal. people actually listening to you and using that information constructively to help you plan a great trip. They have extensive travel knowledge and experience in the area they cover. The planning is detailed and comprehensive in meeting your needs. It makes a difference!