THE 4000 ISLANDS OF SOUTHERN LAOS PRE TOUR

Arrive to Pakse before 11am by your own arrangements and be greeted by your local guide. After checking in to your hotel we explore the town of Pakse with it’s French colonial and Chinese style buildings. We then head out to the Bolaven Platueu, a mountainous region home to dozens of hill tribes, waterfalls and coffee and tea plantations. The first stops are at Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls. These impressive falls are situated on the edge of Dong Hua Sao protected area, 38km from Pakse. We continue to Sinouk Coffee Resort where a coffee expert will lead a visit through the plantation, explaining all about the indigenous coffee trees and different processing stages.

On the drive back to Pakse, we visit Tad Lo waterfalls, a beautiful formation of three separate falls. We end the day’s adventure in the small village of Ban Houay Houn, famous for its Katu textiles. Observe the village’s women weaving without a traditional loom, using their legs to stretch the fabric. Return to Pakse in the late afternoon and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Pakse
Meals: none

After breakfast in your hotel, we head to Wat Phou, a pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. We then pass through Champasak, driving through streets lined with French colonial buildings, and stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue on to Khong Island, the biggest island in Southern Laos and the start of the 4,000 Islands Region. Called “Siphandon” in Lao language, this area is where the Mekong stretches over 14km wide and houses thousands of islands between its cascades and rapids.

Overnight in Khong Island
Meals: Breakfast

Departing early from your hotel for a full day exploration of the 4,000 islands, we begin in the village of Ban Nakasan. From here, take a local boat to the peaceful island of Don Khone, home to plantations and simple villages. Bicycles are the best way to explore the area, but a tuk-tuk can be arranged as well. Visit the impressive Lippi falls, which are on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Their original name, Tad Somphamit, means “trap spirit” and the locals revere these falls as they believe they act as a trap for bad spirits.

The islands played an important role during the French colonial rule as they linked Laos to Cambodia and southern Vietnam. To cross the waterfalls, a railway bridge was built, which now provides an excellent viewpoint for visitors. Follow up with a short boat trip, offering the chance to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. After relaxing on the boat ride, enjoy a local-style lunch served in a nearby restaurant. Return to Ban Nakasan by boat and then transfer to the hotel in Pakse by car, arriving back in time for sunset.

Overnight in Pakse
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Pakse airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the evening and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Head to the riverside and enjoy the famous night market or relax in your hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast

Our local Pandaw team will pick you up from your hotel where you will join our group transfer by local longtail boat to your Pandaw vessel.

Meals: Breakfast