A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Toggle All Read More
Day 1
Pakse Arrival
On arrival at the Pakse international airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check in upon availability).
Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative post, the capital of Champasak Province is a relatively new town at the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers. If time permits, we will first visit Ban Khoh, which specializes in stone carving, and walk to the nearby Wat Chomphet, which hosts the biggest sitting Buddha in Laos.
Late afternoon, we will ascend to the top of Wat Phou Salao to admire the panoramic view over the town of Pakse, and the nearby area, whilst the dark is falling over the city. Overnight in Pakse.
Meal: None
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 2
Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Fandee Island
After breakfast, we head east to Pakse and onto the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley.
Stop at a tea plantation, followed by a brief visit to Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall.
We then visit Tad Yeung, where we can take a refreshing dip before continuing further into the mountainous area.
Visit Tha Teng colourful ethnic minority food market.
Next explore a couple of fascinating minority villages, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village that boasts a sacrificial altar, and Ban Kokphung, a Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses.
From there, we drive further to Tadlo Waterfalls, upon arrival, we will trek to visit waterfall and other minority village near by Tadlo area of Ban Kiengtanglae and Ban Nanong.
From there, we will transfer to the nearby Fandee Island, where we will spend the night on a treehouse or the lake side bungalow.
The owner of the guesthouse is a French couple, who first came to Laos in 2007 and felt in love with the friendly hospitality of the local people.
During the dinner, you have plenty of time to talk with them and learn more about their efforts in helping local people cope with daily life and have a better future. Overnight at Fandee Island.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 3
Jeep Tour to Mystic Mountain
09:00AM, we will meet the Jeep tour specialist at Chai Coffee, and have some discussion with him there when enjoying a cup of coffee.
After that, we will hop on the Jeep and drive 30 minutes to Tad Moun Waterfalls, where we can enjoy the fresh cool water, and visit the nearby vegetable farm.
11:00 AM, we continue driving to the Coffee Farm of Mr. Khamsone via the 10KM bumpy and muddy road, which will take you 01 hour with your special Jeep car.
Upon arrival, Mr Khamsone, the Coffee farm’s owner will take 1 hour to demonstrate about coffee roasting steps and finish with a coffee cupping to savor the different kinds of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and Typica).
We will have the picnic lunch on the farm at around 1:30PM before walking to the nearby refugee cave, which is used as the hidden place by the local villagers during the war time.
After that, we will continue walking along the farm to see the volcano mountain named Phou Sanark where we can enjoy the view over the farm and the nearby villages during the sunset.
You can learn to cook Lao foods with the wife of Mr. Khamsone while preparing the dinner with her. Overnight at the tent camp at the coffee farm.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 4
Mystic Mountain – Tad Tayicseua
09:00 am: After breakfast we continue driving by JEEP for 14km or 1hr to Laven village named B Setkhord. In this village there are 500 families living in around 100 years old.
So, during the France Indochina, this plateau was called Laven plateau, which means the hometown of Laven people living there. Upon arrival, we can walk around, and our guide can tell you more stories about this village.
We then drive to Tad Say Waterfall where we will have the picnic lunch.
After that we will drive to a Suay Village named B Darsia, where you can see many traditional houses. 30% of the houses here are still the traditionally built long houses, and 60% are traditional houses.
The house is the place where many generations will share together. The family use the house for all daily activities such as cooking, eating, and sleeping.
At around 4PM, we arrive in Paksong and hop on the waiting minivan to transfer to Tad Tayicseua, which locates in the remote area of the big Bolaven loop. The transfer will take around 1 hour.
Upon arrival, check in your simple guesthouse of Tad Tayicseua. Free for the rest of the day to relax. Overnight at Tad Tayicseua Guesthouse.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 5
Waterfalls Trek – Back to Pakse
Wake up early morning, we will walk to the nearby Ja Rou Kiet Oak waterfall, where we will enjoy the view over the surrounding area.
After breakfast, we will continue with the official trekking route made by the guesthouse owner. The trek will take at least 3 to 4 hours depending on your level of fitness.
As you begin, you will hear Ja Rou Ha Lang, perhaps the most magnificent waterfall of the Bolaven Plateau, calling out to you. You can go so close to the falls that you can cool off in the refreshing mist.
Continue the trek and explore more waterfalls such as Ja Rou Man Druen. Further on, the canopy of the forest will open into open valleys with great swimming options like Ja Rou Tha La Leui.
The picnic lunch will be served in the middle of nowhere whilst the sound of nature is the only thing you can sense.
After enjoying the trek and waterfalls, we return to the guesthouse and transfer back to Pakse. Overnight in Pakse.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 6
Pakse – Wat Phou – Khong Island
After breakfast, transfer by road to Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before Angkor Wat.
Pass through Champasak town and stop at the wood carving village of Ban Nong Bune.
Continue south to the 4000 Island area, known locally as Sipandon.
Today we stop at Done Khong, the largest island in the region. Overnight on Khong Island.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 7
Kayaking 4000 Islands
After breakfast, we paddle down the Mekong passing peaceful island villages and forests until reaching a small island beach where we enjoy a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we continue kayaking to Don Khone Island passing many fishing boats and small islands.
Arrive mid-afternoon and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, take a walk around the island and admire the sunset along the Mekong River. Overnight in Khone Island.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 8
Walking & Kayaking 4000 Islands
After breakfast, we walk to visit colonial buildings before continuing to the spectacular Liphi Waterfall.
Picnic lunch will be served near the waterfall.
In the afternoon, paddle downstream to Ban Hang Khone, passing through scenic gorges and calm waters.
Here we may spot the famous Irrawaddy dolphins before returning by boat to Khone Island. Overnight in Khone Island.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 9
Khone Phapheng – Pakse (Cycling + Kayaking)
After breakfast, we cycle to the end of Don Khone Island before taking a boat ride to Don En Island and begin kayaking downstream to Thakhe village.
From there, a tuk tuk will take us to the spectacular Khone Phapheng Waterfall.
Enjoy lunch while admiring the dramatic scenery. Afterward, take a short walk to view the falls from above before returning to Pakse.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
Day 10
Pakse Departure
You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight.
Tip: It is worthwhile taking a short visit to Dream Weaver, which showcases and sells local textiles made using ancient weaving techniques.
All proceeds go back into the local community and many pieces are made by victims of human trafficking who have been rescued.
Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide
| Cities | Hotel Name | Room Type |
| Pakse | Pakse Hotel | Superior |
| Tad Lo | Fandee Island | Tree House |
| Paksong | Mystic Mountain Farm Stay | **** |
| Tad Tayicseua | Tay Tayicseua Guesthouse | Standard |
| Khong Island | Pon Arena Hotel | Deluxe |
| Khone Island | Seng Ahloune Resort | Deluxe |
TRIP INCLUSIVE
- Accommodation at selected hotels, based on twin/ double occupancy with daily breakfast. Single occupancy must add the supplement single
- Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle
- Boat trip as stated in above sights
- Activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- English speaking guide (local guide, one guide one place)
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the program
- All permissions and local taxes
- Refreshing tissue during the transfer
TRIP EXCLUSIVE
- Visas and stamps in Laos: visa available at the border (30 US$ to 45 US$ per person depending on nationality, + one passport sized picture + overtime fees; passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond travelling dates. Subject to change without prior notice from local authorities).
- International flights and taxes.
- International flights
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses (such as internet, laundry, but not limited to)
- Travel insurances
- Banking fees
- Any other services, meals not mentioned in the proposal
- Optional tours in the itinerary are subject to surcharge
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Smart Asia Travel
- Additional charges from hotel during its peak season
Note:
* Check in time: 02.00pm – Check out time: 12.00pm