Charm of Southern Laos

Near the Cambodian border, the Mekong awakes from its slumber, slams into Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) and disintegrates into a series of churning rapids. Downstream, a dwindling pod of rare Irrawaddy dolphins seek solace in a peaceful eddy. Upstream, an expanding pod of travellers find their own solace in the hammock-strewn bungalows of Don Det and Don Khon.

Day 1: Arrival in Pakse

Upon arrival at Pakse airport, we’ll be greeted and transferred to the hotel. We’ll take an overview tour of Pakse in the remainder of the day as time permits. Located at the junction of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers and home to ancient temples, French colonial architecture, Pakse is a fantastic launch point for exploring the laid-back Southern Laos region.
Day 2: Pakse

Today we'll embark upon an excursion to the agricultural village of Ban Katuu up in the Bolaven Plateau, home to a growing number of tea and coffee plantations. Here, we'll get a glimpse of local coffee production and sample fresh Lao coffee. Go on to visit Talat Dao Heung Market near the Japanese Bridge, where we can bargain for coffee and browse colourful stalls of spices, dried fish, fresh fruits, and Lao sweets.
Day 3: Pakse

Today we'll explore another of the Bolaven Plateau's famous features: waterfalls. We first head to Tad Fane in dense rainforest. This waterfall has twin streams that plunge from an impressive height of 800 feet. Next we'll drive to Tad Yeung waterfall and the surrounding coffee plantation and enjoy a swim in its cool, clear waters. Return to Pakse for the night.
Day 4: Pakse – Champasak – Don Daeng

This morning we leave Pakse and make our way to Champasak on a 01-hour journey overland to visit the ancient ruins of Wat Phu. Outdating Angkor Wat by almost 500 years, these ruins offer insight into the region's cultural heritage and still function today as a Buddhist worship site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features intricate stone carvings bearing Hindu deities and moss-covered remains of shrines and courtyards. After Wat Phou, we’ll head to Don Daeng for the night.
Day 5: Don Daeng

After breakfast we set out on a tour of the river communities of Don Daeng. This area in the Mekong comprises more than 4,000 islands of various sizes, characterized by their laid-back pace the rustic wooden bungalows that comprise them. We'll get a rare glimpse of river life by visiting one of these communities, touring a local school, and meeting village elders. We'll eat with the residents, enjoying a traditional local meal of papaya salad, sticky rice, and grilled fish.
Day 6: Don Daeng - Don Khone

Today we leave Don Daeng and travel to the tiny island of Don Khone. Measuring only 1.5 by 2.5 miles, this sleepy village sports thatch-roof huts and swaying palms, as well as a collection of old colonial buildings. Take a tour of the colonial holdovers today, visiting old French villas and the narrow gauge railway that was constructed during World War II.
Day 7: Don Khone

Today we’ll explore the waters surrounding Don Khone with the assistance of a local guide who can show us where the calmest and most picturesque waterways are. In the afternoon, we'll take a local boat ride to spot Irrawaddy dolphins. Numbers of Irrawaddy dolphins in the area are critically low, but tourism drives support to conserve these friendly creatures, who can most typically be seen at the southern tip of the island. Return to Don Khone for another night.
Day 8: Don Khone

Today we'll visit nearby islands and Ban Saphai. This village is the historic capital of weaving in Champasak. We'll get a demonstration in "mut mee" weaving from local craftspeople and have the chance to pick up a nice piece. Afterwards, explore the islands at own leisure by bicycle – the islands' most popular form of transport. Return to your resort on the riverside in Don Khone tonight.
Day 9: Pakse

We have to two options (1) Proceed to the Veukham/ Tropeang Kreal (formerly Dong Kalor) border gate and enter Cambodia (2) Return to Pakse to take a flight.