Central and South Laos Exploration 8 Days

Meet your guide and driver in the morning and journey south along Route 13 to Khammoune, a central Lao province. En route, we stop at Prabaht Ponsan, a stupa dating back to the 15th Century, housing the revered Buddha's footprint, believed to have been left while crossing the Mekong. Next, we visit the fascinating Ban Ton Na Mae Hmong Market before entering the mountainous region of Khammoune. Pause at a viewpoint near Khoun Kham, where the awe-inspiring karst scenery, known as the "limestone forest," unfolds before your eyes. By late afternoon, we arrive at Hin Boun area, offering leisure time to enjoy the serene surroundings.

After breakfast at our lodge, we embark on a scenic drive to Kong Lor village, where we board a local boat for an unforgettable journey through the renowned Kong Lor Cave. This extraordinary cave stretches over 7km and boasts a stunning cavern towering over 100m high. Inside, you'll be captivated by a mesmerizing stalagmite gallery that you can explore on foot. Emerging on the other side of the cave, we take a leisurely walk past charming tobacco drying huts to reach Ban Pon Ngam, a remote village where we'll savor our delightful picnic lunch. After the meal, we return by boat through the cave, followed by a direct car transfer to Thakek. Arriving in the late afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the riverfront and witness the captivating sunset over the majestic Mekong River.

As we bid farewell to Thakhek, our journey continues southbound. Just before reaching Savannakhet, we make a stop at the Soundra Salt Factory for an intriguing tour on local salt production methods and the sacred That Inhang. In Savannakhet, we explore the beautiful old French Quarter, once a bustling city market. Next, we visit the fascinating Don Mak Fai Forest market, where a diverse array of forest-sourced items are skillfully displayed by the sellers. Continuing onward for approximately 2 hours, we pause at the village of Ban Napong, renowned for its delectable grilled chicken. Our journey then leads to Pakse, where we visit Don Khor, a village specializing in exquisite Buddha carvings for temples. We arrive in Pakse early evening, with the remainder of the day free for leisure.

Embark on an eastward journey to the enchanting Bolaven Plateau, celebrated for its refreshing climate nestled high above the Mekong Valley. Begin the day by visiting the striking Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall, and then explore local tea and coffee plantations, where you can savor a cup of the region's renowned brew. Next, we proceed to Pakxong for a delectable local lunch and an enriching visit to Jhai Coffee House. This commendable coffee roaster purchases directly from the source and reinvests all profits into the local community. Meet the roasters, learn about coffee, and discover their inspiring social enterprise. In the afternoon, we delve into the captivating world of minority villages, including Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village with a notable sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village with the unique tradition of keeping coffins under their houses. Our final destination is the breathtaking Tadlo Waterfall, offering a refreshing swimming opportunity for those who wish. After a brief relaxation at this natural wonder, we make our way back to Pakse, with a stop at the picturesque Paxuam Waterfall before arriving by early evening.

Upon arrival, we warmly welcome you and proceed to Champassak, from where we continue our journey to Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. This dramatically situated temple stands as one of Laos' most remarkable highlights. In the afternoon, we drive to Don Khong, the largest of the Mekong Islands, affectionately known as 'Siphandon,' which translates to '4000 Islands.' Don Khong offers an ideal setting to immerse in traditional Lao rural life, providing a tranquil haven for relaxation. We arrive on Khong Island via ferry by early evening.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast before embarking on a private boat tour of the captivating 4000 Islands. By lunchtime, we reach the picturesque Don Khone Island, where an afternoon of exploration awaits. Hop on a bicycle to follow the path of an old abandoned railway, marvel at the remnants of French Colonial buildings, and behold the stunning Liphi Waterfall. Afterward, we return to the boat and sail back to the mainland, visiting the awe-inspiring Khone Phapheng Falls, renowned as one of Southeast Asia's largest and most powerful waterfalls. By early evening, we journey back to Pakse by car, making cherished memories along the way.

Depending on your departure flight schedule, you may enjoy some leisure time before our transfer service escorts you to the airport for your onward journey.