Southern Sun

Start this tour by exploring the waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau.

Start this tour by exploring the waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau. All are stunning and each and every one of them has its own character. The twin falls of Tad Lo are most famous, but the ones that really strike us are hidden in the jungle of Bolaven, often only reached by jeep and through treks.

The coffee plantations are of great interest as well. To see and take part of the cultivation of the coffee beans is interesting but to stay at the plantation as the local stay is a memorable experience.

Travel further south along the Mekong and visit Don Daeng. Cycle around and experience some of the most relaxing life you have ever taken part of. The nearby temple of Vat Phou is a UNESCO awarded Khmer structure that overlooks the plains below.

Next up is the Xe Pian National Park, which has a number of special attractions and the Kingfisher Ecolodge. Caring for elephants is a great way to learn more about the role of elephants in Laotian society and why the country is called the Land of a Million Elephants.

The journey ends in Si Phan Don. The Mekong in this area provides for an amazing setting with many islands that are home to many trails for some recreational cycling. Asia’s biggest falls are also situated here and the Mekong islands even have a number of beaches where you can chill out and swim in the river.

Length of Tour: 13 days

This tour is perfectly fitted to be extended with a stay in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane prior to arrival in Pakse. That would make it a tour of three weeks in total. Or opt to add Northern Cambodia to the tour and end at Angkor Wat by adding Stung Treng, Kratie, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to the tour making it a total of about 22 days. Many different extensions are possible that link to more mainstream programs (as suggested here) or to more off the beaten track destinations such as Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri (Cambodia).

Outline of the tour

Day 01
Arrive in Pakse and enjoy a free afternoon
Day 02
Transfer to the Bolaven Plateau and visit along the way farms, waterfalls, and villages
Day 03
Enjoy a trip in a 1960’s military jeep through the jungle visiting waterfalls off the beaten track
Day 04
Learn all about coffee and trek to amazing viewpoints where you set up camp and campfire
Day 05
Wake up at a cliff overviewing the valleys and trek through the jungle
Day 06
Transfer to Don Daeng and cycle the local villages on the island
Day 07
Visit Champasak district and the UNESCO temple of Vat Phou. Make a trek around the area
Day 08
Transfer to Xe Pian National Park and take part in elephant caretaking activities
Day 09
Enjoy a day in Xe Pian and opt to trek, boat or kayak around
Day 10
Transfer to Don Khone and enjoy a boat trip over the Mekong River with a visit to Asia’s largest falls
Day 11
Cycle the islands of Don Khone and Don Det and take in authentic Mekong river life
Day 12
Enjoy a free day on Don Khone
Day 13
Transfer to Pakse Airport for your flight out

What does our expert say about this tour?

“Where Laos is pretty unknown, the south part of our country is even lesser known. Backpackers have found their way for many years to Southern Laos and for good reason. This part of Laos remains pretty much undeveloped and people take their steps even slower than in other parts of our diverse country. This area is rough in terms of nature. Some of the wildest and biggest waterfalls can be found in the south. Next to all that natural roughness you will find local kindness. To be able to take part of village life and explore the national parks by jeep, bicycle, kayak or on foot adds to the experience. I love to actively explore the nature, history and river in this part of Laos. Even though at times I have to step out of my own comfort zone to camp or stay at a local farm, it adds much to the experience I have had in the south. All these different places I stayed, they all have something spectacular to add and each and every place was so different from the other. I definitely recommend this trip if you do not want a boring roundtrip!“

The unique aspects of this tour

Travel Experience

Leisure Travel

Leisure Travel

Relax and create your own perfect holiday
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Adventure Travel

Adventure Travel

Trek, cycle, and kayak your way on the paths less taken
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Incentive Travel

Incentive Travel

Every incentive trip needs a tailor made program
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Family Travel

Family Travel

Crate lasting memories on the perfect family vacation
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Gay Travel

Gay Travel

Take your partner by the hand and embark on a journey
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Luxury Travel

Luxury Travel

Treat yourself with the best facilities
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