Southern Sun

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).