6-Day Simply Southern Laos

Pakse Arrival – Transfer to Wat Phou – Champasak

This morning, meet your guide and proceed to transfer out of town and along the the banks of the Mekong to Champasak, the former capital of the Kingdom of Champasak (1713–1946). Visit the picturesque pre-Angkorian Wat Phou Temple before settle in and enjoy the amazing view of Mekong River.

Champasak - Bolaven Plateau

Transfer along the winding road ascending to the Bolaven Plateau, up here the air is much cooler. Formed by an ancient volcano and famous for its coffee and tea plantations, the Bolaven Plateau is home to a number of tribal villages. Today we will visit waterfalls including Tad Fane and Tad Lo, we will visit a tea and coffee plantation later in the day to find out why this area is so famous for growing these crops. Settle in and stay overnight on the plateau.

Bolaven Plateau – Ban Kiat Ngong – Phou Asa Mountain trekking

After a hearty breakfast, transfer to King Fisher Ecolodge in Ban Kiat Ngong. Later, depart directly from the lodge on a trek that will take you deep inside the Xe Pian tropical forest and up to the archeological site of Phu Asa with its panoramic views. Spend the day exploring the forest before return to the tranquil Kingfisher Ecolodge for our overnight stay.

Ban Kiat Ngong - Wetlands Birdwatching Safari

Before dawn, you will trek along the edge of the Ramsar protected Ban Kiet Ngong Wetlands, one of the largest and least altered wetlands in the region. Hike through swamps, lakes and marshes at the foot of Phou Asa. Have the pleasure of enjoying the bird activity in the days early light when birds are most active. The Ban Kiet Ngong wetland is considered to be one of the most important areas in Indochina for water birds. Here you find the vanishingly rare Giant Ibis, the White-winged Wood-Duck, the Sarus Crane, the Lesser Adjutant and the White-shouldered Ibis. With over 320 species of birds present on the wetlands it is certainly one of the best places in Laos to view such a wide variety of wetland dwelling birds.

Ban Kiat Ngong – Don Khone – 4,000 islands

This morning we leave Kingfisher and head south to 4,000 islands. Board a long-tail boat out to the island of Don Khone nestled in the heart of the Mekong River. This afternoon explore the island on foot and take in the Liphi Falls as well as learn about the history of the area and some of its old French colonial buildings, railway and Pier. Enjoy the slower pace of life as the sun sets over the Mekong River with a cool drink in hand.

Walking Distance: Approximately 7km

Don Khone – Khone Phapheng Warterfall – Pakse Departure

Leave your hotel and board a boat back to mainland then take a short drive to visit the enormous Khone Phapheng Waterfall while taking in the beautiful landscape in this section of the river on the Cambodian border before transferring back to Pakse.