Southern Stay & the Enchanting 4,000 Islands – 6 days
Overview
- See Pakse and Bolaven Plateau with its fabulous landscapes and welcoming ethnic minorities
- Champassak Province and the Wat Phu
- The wonderful Southern Islands with a visit to the 4,000 Islands region
- Climb to the top of Phou Asa Mountain during an elephant ride
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Arrival In Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Tad Lo (D)
Upon arriving at Pakse Airport, you will be picked up by our driver and transported to Tad Lo (120 km from the airport), located at the northeastern part of Bolaven Plateau.
The Bolaven Plateau is a region where tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations are widespread, among many other vegetable and fruits crops. Before reaching Tad Lo, you will visit several villages inhabited by Alak, Lawe, Katu, and Ya Heune ethnic minorities. You will also visit Ban Kok Phoung and Ban Pong-Tai Villages, inhabited by the Ta-Oi and K-Lac minorities, who live in stilt houses.
Later, you will visit Pha Xuam eco-tourist site. Upon reaching Tad Lo, you will check in a bungalow located in the forest and on Sexet River border.
Overnight at Tad Lo Lodge (www.tadlolodge.com).
Day 2Tad Lo – Paksong – Champasak Province (Wat Phu) – Khong Island (B, L, D)
Today, you will go to Champasak Province, famous for being home to the Wat Phu (also spelled Vat Phou), a pre-Angkorian site. Before arriving at Wat Phu, you will stop at Paksong and visit several sites: the coffee export center, Tad Fan Waterfall, and a traditional tea workshop at KM 33.
Later, you will arrive at Wat Phu, a structure that was assembled between the 9th and 13th centuries, before Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. You will also explore the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. After that, you will continue your travel until reaching Khong Island.
Overnight at Pon River Guesthouse on Khong Island (standard room – www.ponarenhotel.com).
Day 3Khong Island – 4,000 Islands – Khong Island (B, L, D)
Have a nice breakfast before going on a cruise through the largest portion of the Mekong River, where nearly 4,000 islets emerge during the dry season. This explains why this region is called “Si Phan Don” which means 4,000 Islands.
During this cruise, you will stop at Don Khone Island to visit the remnants of the French Colonial Era (which include a bridge and a railway, built by the French in order to circumvent the waterfalls), Liphi Waterfalls, and the local village. Later, you will return to Khong Island.
Overnight at Pon River Guesthouse on Khong Island (standard room – www.ponarenhotel.com).
Day 4Khong Island – Phou Asa – Don Daeng Island (B, L, D)
After a good breakfast at the hotel, you will go to Phou Asa. Visit Kiet Ngong Village before jumping on the back of an elephant for a trek that will lead you to the top of Phou Asa Mountain, a peak that dominates on the Mekong River in the West and on the Xe Pian Park in the East.
Finally, you will reach Don Daeng Island, a peaceful haven blessed with charming landscapes.
Overnight either at the hotel or at a homestay.
Day 5Don Daeng Island – Pakse (B, L, D)
Wake up early in the morning and start cycling around the island. You will ride for 2 hours at a soothing pace, on a trail that will lead you through the woods, rice fields, and villages inhabited by the Lao Loum ethnic group.
Later, you will return to Pakse.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6Pakse – Departure (B)
You will have free time until being picked up and driven to the airport for your departure flight.
Prices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- All transportation
- Accommodation (twin room or double room)
- All entrances fees
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner)
- English-speaking tourist guide
- One small bottle of water on the bus everyday
- Services fees
Excluded
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Drinks
- Flight tickets
- Visa for Laos