Best of Southern Laos

Discover the best of Southern Laos including Wat Phu, Don Khong and the Bolaven Plateau.

Begin the trip from Pakse by visiting the pre-Angkor ruins of Wat Phu before an afternoon trip to the dramatic Bolaven Plateau.

On the second day visit the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and the beautiful islands in the middle of the Mekong River.

Further explore the Mekong and it's village life and search for Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Finally take an elephant ride to the top of Phou Asa for magnificent views over the Mekong before returning to Pakse.

Day 1: Champasak – Bolaven Plateau

Champasak is a small district on the western bank of the Mekong River. From Chapasak, visit the Angkor period ruins of Wat Phu 8km south of town.

This Khmer temple site is spread over the lower slopes of Phu Pasak. The surviving structures date from as early as the Chenla Kingdom (6th to 8th centuries).

In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the Bolaven Plateau, Tad Fane, Tad Yuang and Tad E-Tu Waterfalls.

The Bolaven Plateau is a fertile coffee and tea growing area. This area is rich in ethnic groups. En-route, visit Tad Fane Waterfall, the highest in Champasak, and two smaller but scenic waterfalls.

Return to Pakse in the late afternoon.

Overnight Pakse. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Don Khong & Khone Phapeng Waterfall

From Pakse, head south along the east bank of the Mekong to Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and one of the most impressive sites in the area.

Here, the entire Mekong with all its force cascades down curving stone outcroppings and tints the massive stones with rainbows.

Continue by vehicle to Don Khong, or Khong Island, a scenic island set in the middle of the Mekong River, with small villages and rice paddies.

Visit the largest village and local temples before taking in the sunset at Muang Sene.

Overnight Don Khong. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Don Khong – Irrawaddy Dolphins

From Don Khong, travel by boat to Don Det Island and Don Khone. The islands are connected by a former railway bridge (the railway stopped operating 1945).