10-Day South Laos Highlights from Vientine to Savannakhet, Pakse, and Don Khong

Today, embark on a full-day guided tour of Vientiane, the captivating capital of Laos. Your day begins with a visit to the National Museum, showcasing impressive art collections. Next, explore Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple adorned with thousands of silver and porcelain images, and Haw Phra Kaeo, home to the revered Emerald Buddha surrounded by fragrant frangipani trees. After exploring the historic Morning Market, proceed to Pha That Luang, a magnificent golden Buddhist stupa, and Patuxai, a grand monument symbolizing Laos' independence. In the afternoon, you'll visit Buddha Park to admire its collection of Buddha sculptures.

After breakfast, you will embark on a wooden sampan for a scenic 3-hour cruise along the river through Kong Lor Cave, the longest cave in the region. As you enter the cave, your boat will traverse the underground section of the Hin Boun River, which flows year-round, revealing impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Emerging on the other side, you'll have the opportunity to pause for refreshments and take a leisurely walk through local villages, soaking in the picturesque scenery and observing the traditional way of life. After departing Kong Lor Cave, you will return to Ban Tiou village to unwind and relax.

Following breakfast, you will depart from the hotel and proceed to visit the remarkable Mahaxai caves, renowned for their stunning karst landscapes. After exploring this natural wonder, you will continue your journey to Savannakhet for an overnight stay.

You will be transported to Pakse. Upon arrival in Pakse, you will settle into your hotel and have the remainder of the day to leisurely explore the charming town.

Today, your journey will take you on a guided exploration of the Bolaven Plateau, a mountainous area renowned for its diverse hill tribes, picturesque waterfalls, and flourishing coffee and tea plantations. You'll have the opportunity to witness the stunning Tad Lo Waterfalls, Tad Yuang, and the majestic Tad Fane Waterfalls, a pair of twin cascades standing 120 meters tall, formed by the confluence of the Champy and Pak Koot rivers.

On our return drive to Pakse, we will make a stop at a tea or coffee plantation. Laos is celebrated for its exceptional coffee, much of which is cultivated here on the Bolaven Plateau. Visiting one of these plantations will offer insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes of these delightful beans. Arriving back in Pakse in the late afternoon, you will then be transferred to your hotel.

Following breakfast, your day begins with a visit to notable attractions in Pakse, including Wat Phou, a magnificent temple complex dating back to the 10th century before the Angkorian era. You will also explore Tomo Village and Oum Muong, an enigmatic forest temple nestled just a short stroll from the village. After these explorations, you will be privately driven to Don Khong.

Today, embark on a cruise through 'Si Phan Don' (Four Thousand Islands), an expansive stretch of the Mekong River where numerous islands emerge during the dry season, lending this region its charming name. During the journey, you will visit Liphi waterfalls and the fishing village of Ban Khone. On the return trip, a brief drive will take you to the Lao-Cambodian border at Weukham, where you can witness Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.

Following breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight departure. We wish you a pleasant journey back home!