Day 1: Arrival – Pakse – Champasak [L, –]
Upon arrival Pakse airport, we drive around 45 minutes (40 km) to the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou. The spectacular pre-Angkorian temple sits among verdant paddies and glistening canals at the foothill of Mount Phou Khao. The 10th century site was built by leaders of the mighty Khmer Empire before Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat and served as a focal point in the mighty Khmer Empire’s economic and political landscape. It remains one of Laos’ most revered temples.
Lunch is at a local restaurant
Dinner is at leisure on own account.
Overnight in Champasak
Day 2: Champasak – 4000 Islands – Don Khon [B, L, –]
Marvel at the ‘Niagara of Asia’, experience village life and explore the ‘4,000 Islands’, an idyllic chain of islets that dot the river. At 8 am, we check-out and board a local boat and take a 15-minute journey across the Mekong. On dry land, we enjoy a scenic three-hour drive (140 km) to mighty Khon Phapheng Waterfalls on the southern tip of Laos. The thundering falls are known as the ‘Niagara of Asia’ due to their incredible force. We then continue to Ban Nakasang village and board a small boat to navigate some of the ‘4,000 Islands’. We visit peaceful Don Khon and Don Det islands, connected by a bridge built by the French during the colonial era. After crossing the bridge, we visit a locomotive left behind by colonial authorities and jump into a local tuk-tuk for a ride to the striking Liphi Waterfalls. After lunch at a local restaurant on Don Khon Island.
Dinner is at leisure on own account.
Overnight in 4000 islands, Don Khon island
Day 3: 4000 Islands – Don Khon – Bolaven Plateau – Pakse [B, L, –]
Breakfast at hotel before checking out. Take a small boat and continue by road to the Bolaven Plateau (around 160 km – 3h30 drive ) with its top-class coffee and stunning waterfalls. Visit Tad Fane, where twin 120-meter-high waterfalls, fed by the Champy and Pak Koot rivers, plunge into a deep gorge amidst rugged jungle. We then head to the Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative Cafe, also known as Lak 40. This charming, rustic cafe at Km 40 on Route 16 East is run by three generations of a Bolaven coffee plantation family. Set in a beautiful garden, it offers a cozy atmosphere with a variety of specialty roasts and manual coffee makers. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy high-quality, locally produced coffee while soaking in the serene surroundings before lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we continue exploring the area, stopping at various villages that dot the plateau. In the mid-afternoon, we return to Pakse and check into the hotel. Enjoy the plateau’s breathtaking natural beauty on this idyllic day of discovery.
Dinner is at leisure on own account.
Overnight in Pakse
Day 4: Pakse – Departure [B]
All good things must come to an end and today sees this memorable trip draw to a close. After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Pakse Airport for your onward flight equipped with lifelong memories of Laos.
