Day 1: Arrival in Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Tad Lo (L, D)
(You will arrive after taking the flight Vientiane – Pakse or the flight Ho Chi Minh City – Pakse)
Upon arriving at Pakse Airport, you will be picked up by our driver and transported to Tad Lo (120 km from the airport), located at the northeastern part of Bolaven Plateau.
The Bolaven Plateau is a region where tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations are widespread, among many other vegetable and fruits crops. Before reaching Tad Lo, you will visit several villages inhabited by Alak, Lawe, Katu, and Ya Heune ethnic minorities. You will also visit Ban Kok Phoung and Ban Pong-Tai Villages, inhabited by the Ta-Oi and K-Lac minorities, who live in stilt houses.
Later, you will visit Pha Xuam eco-tourist site. Upon reaching Tad Lo, you will check in a bungalow located in the forest and on Sexet River border.
Overnight at Tad Lo Lodge (www.tadlolodge.com).
Day 2: Tad Lo – Paksong – Champasak Province (Wat Phu) – Khong Island (B, L, D)
Today, you will go to Champasak Province, famous for being home to the Wat Phu (also spelled Vat Phou), a pre-Angkorian site. Before arriving at Wat Phu, you will stop at Paksong and visit several sites: the coffee export center, Tad Fan Waterfall, and a traditional tea workshop at KM 33.
Later, you will arrive at Wat Phu, a structure that was assembled between the 9th and 13th centuries, before Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. You will also explore the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. After that, you will continue your travel until reaching Khong Island.
Overnight at Pon River Guesthouse on Khong Island (standard room – www.ponarenhotel.com).
Day 3: Khong Island – 4,000 Islands – Khong Island (B, L, D)
Have a nice breakfast before going on a cruise through the largest portion of the Mekong River, where nearly 4,000 islets emerge during the dry season. This explain why this region is called “Si Phan Don” which means 4,000 Islands.
During this cruise, you will stop at Don Khone Island to visit the remnants of the French Colonial Era (which include a bridge and a railway, built by the French in order to circumvent the waterfalls), Liphi Waterfalls, and the local village. Later, you will return on Khong Island.
Overnight at Pon River Guesthouse on Khong Island (standard room – www.ponarenhotel.com).
Day 4: Khong Island – Phou Asa – Don Daeng Island (B, L, D)
After a good breakfast at the hotel, you will go to Phou Asa. Visit Kiet Ngong Village before jumping on the back of an elephant for a trek that will lead you to the top of Phou Asa Mountain, a peak that dominates on the Mekong River at the West and on the Xe Pian Park at the East.
Finally, you will reach Don Daeng Island, a peaceful haven blessed with charming landscapes.
Overnight either at the hotel or at a homestay.
Day 5: Don Daeng Island – Pakse (B, L, D)
Wake up early in the morning and start a cycling around the island. You will ride for 2 hours at a soothing pace, on a trail that will lead you through the woods, rice fields, and villages inhabited by the Lao Loum ethnic group.
Later, you will return to Pakse.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Pakse – departure (B)
You will have free time until being picked up and driven to the airport for your departure flight.
