Authentic Southern Laos - 5 Days / 4 Nights

Embark on your Champasak discoveries as you arrive at Pakse International Airport. Say hello to your tour guide and driver, and get ready for an exciting journey through mountains and winding roads up to the captivating Bolaven Plateau. With its lush jungles, scenic farmlands, and diverse ethnic communities, this ancient volcanic highland is a sight to behold. Experience the cool climate and explore the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Begin by visiting the magnificent Tad Fane Waterfalls, standing tall at 120 meters within the Dong Hua Sao Nature Reserve. Continue your adventure to witness the enchanting Tad Champi and Tad Yeung waterfalls, surrounded by vibrant vegetation and cascading waters dropping an impressive 42 meters. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.

No visit to the Bolaven Plateau is complete without exploring a tea and coffee plantation. Discover why this region is renowned for its thriving plantations and savor the remarkable flavors with a freshly brewed organic cup of coffee at the Jhai Coffee House in Paksong. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to meet some ethnic minorities and learn about their rich culture and traditions.

As the day winds down, return to Pakse, the bustling hub of southern Laos. If time allows, take a short orientation tour to explore the charm of Pakse's colonial and Chinese-style buildings, and delve the vibrant atmosphere of the local market. Enjoy the remaining time at your leisure, taking in the sights and sounds of this fascinating town.

Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse.

After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the hotel and embark on a thrilling journey southward to the captivating Kiat Ngong Ramsar site. Along the way, make a stop at the renowned Wat Phou, also known as Vat Phou, an ancient temple that has earned its distinguished place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you explore this mystical temple, which dates back over 1,000 years, be awestruck by its enchanting presence amidst the lush rice fields and winding waterways of southern Laos.

Once you've absorbed the wonder of Wat Phou, cross the majestic Mekong River in your trusty car and venture onwards to the quaint village of Ban Kiat Ngong. Discover the remarkable Ban Kiat Ngong Wetlands complex, a captivating part of the vast Xe Pian National Protected Area. Within this complex, encounter a diverse array of wetland treasures, including swamps, lakes, peat lands, and marshes.

Upon arrival, settle your comfortable ecolodge and indulge in a satisfying lunch (personal expense) at your own leisure. Afterwards, embark on a captivating guided trek through the verdant tropical forest that blankets this renowned archaeological site and its surroundings. Along the way, you'll also witness the enigmatic Vat Phu Asa Temple, which boasts breathtaking vistas over the sprawling landscapes of Southern Laos. Delight in the sight of ancient ruins amidst the rainforest trails, and keep an eye out for the region's endangered wildlife.

As the day winds down, return to the tranquil Kingfisher Ecolodge in the idyllic Beung Kiat Ngong Village, where you can spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the peaceful and simple rhythms of life in this remote area, with water buffaloes grazing in slow motion and flocks of white birds gracefully dancing in the sky. And when night falls, be enchanted by the dazzling tropical stars that light up the sky.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ban Kiat Ngong, Champasak.

Start the day by leaving the lodge bright and early with your experienced birding guide. As you reach the Hide, immerse yourself in the captivating bird activity of the early morning, when these creatures are most lively. The Ban Kiet Ngong wetland boasts a reputation as one of the most significant areas in Indochina for waterbirds. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Giant Ibis, the elegant White-winged Wood-Duck, the magnificent Sarus Crane, the graceful Lesser Adjutant, and the striking White-shouldered Ibis. With over 320 bird species residing in the wetlands, this location stands out as one of the finest bird watching sites in Laos.

After an enriching 3-hour bird watching experience, return to the ecolodge. Indulge in a scrumptious meal of light Laotian noodles and salads served in the restaurant, overlooking a picturesque lake. Take a moment to unwind and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Then, embark on an adventure to the stunning Si Phan Don, also known as the "4,000 Islands," scattered along the mesmerizing Mekong River. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, with no set plans or obligations.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Don Khone.

Explore the magnificent waters surrounding Don Khone in the best way possible - by kayak. Start your day with a local guide who will take you to the most serene and picturesque waterways. For a more thrilling adventure, join an experienced kayaker and navigate through challenging eddies and rapids.

In the afternoon, embark on a traditional boat and cruise through the enchanting Siphandon riverine archipelago. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this rural island, where locals lead a peaceful and simple life. Don Khong, once a humble French Indochina settlement, still retains the charm of its colonial-era buildings, including an old French railway station. Make sure to visit the breathtaking Liphi Waterfalls, known as the "Corridor of the Devil", which not only marks the natural border between Laos and Cambodia but also serves as a habitat for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. (Sadly, the last known river dolphin in the transboundary pool in the Mekong between Laos and Cambodia was found dead on 15 February 2022).

Wrap up the day with leisure time at your hotel in Don Khone, indulging in the peaceful surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Don Khone.

Start your day by cherishing the tranquil riverside scenes in the morning, just before heading to Pakse to catch your departure flight. As you drive back, make one final stop at the captivating Khone Phapheng Waterfall, where you can relish the refreshing waters and create lasting memories before continuing on your journey. Don't forget to fuel up with a delicious breakfast to energize your day!

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.