English
French
Spanish
Italian
South Laos is the southernmost region of Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, there are many options of good South Laos Tours that will take you to where the heat is! Let’s dive in and check out what options are available for your upcoming trip.
Compared to its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is rather less popular with foreigners. The area is less commercialized than other Indochina tourist spots, making it perfect for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
While the northern part of the country is already gaining some popularity, South Laos is even more untouched. In this region, you might go days seeing only a handful of other foreigners, as there are barely any established South Laos Tours. Transportation is part of the adventure, often relying on local buses, shared songthaews, or a motorbike. Luckily, the roads in the south are flatter and better maintained than the rugged mountain paths up north, making it easier to navigate.
Tad Fane Waterfall in Bolaven Plateau
For the outdoor enthusiast, this region is a dream come true: zipline over jungle canopies and waterfalls, or ride the Bolaven Plateau, passing by endless coffee plantations and spectacular falls like Tad Fane, Tad Lo, and Tad Yuang. If you want your trip to be immersed in raw nature and thrills, South Laos is for you.
For those who can ride a motorbike, exploring the Bolaven Plateau by this vehicle is one of the most rewarding experiences in Southern Laos. This highland stands at over 1,000 meters above sea level with cool temperatures and beautiful forest landscapes. A laid-back journey through this land can offer you an authentic look into the rural life of South Laos.
Come and explore Bolaven Plateau on a motorbike
The Bolaven Plateau is home to towering waterfalls like Tad Hang, Tad Lo, and Tad Soung, as well as charming coffee farms and welcoming local villages. The popular Bolaven Loop, a scenic motorbiking route, connects all the major sights via a series of well-paved roads, making it ideal for riders of all levels.
Even in the rainy season, the area remains pleasantly green without being too wet. You can also drop by a local coffee stall to fuel up with a tasty boost for your motorbike ride.
Tucked within the lush highlands of the Bolaven Plateau, South Laos offers one of the most unique ziplining experiences in Southeast Asia. With stunning waterfalls and gorgeous coffee plantations, this region is a dream destination for you true adventurers.
Ziplining here isn’t physically demanding, but it does require you not to be afraid of heights. Imagine soaring 300 meters above ground, gliding past the twin cascades of Tad Fane via the highest zipline in South Laos.
Imagine sipping a cup of tea mid-air and surrounded by nature
If you’re feeling brave, you can try all four ziplines, with the longest one reaching up to 470 meters. The fun doesn’t stop there. You can also sip a cup of coffee or tea while mid-air, relax in a hammock suspended in the sky, or spend a whole night, you guessed it, while hanging on a zipline.
In Southern Laos, the Mekong River stretches to an impressive 14 kilometers wide, creating a region known as Si Phan Don, or the 4,000 Islands. There are countless islets with many barely larger than a sandbar. Among the thousands of islands, the three islands of Don Det, Don Khon, and Don Khong are the most popular among tourists. These islands offer the perfect base for exploring the Mekong’s beauty through ziplining.
Ziplining through Li Phi waterfalls
These experiences would provide you with more than just a quick adrenaline rush. They are the things that will make you adore the beauty of nature and humanity.
Read more: The best attractions for a Southern Laos Tour 5 days
Trekking in Southern Laos is such an "it" thing to do due to the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. You might as well want to add it to your saved list of South Laos Tours.
The best time to do it is during the dry season from November to March. Cooler temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall make ideal conditions for trekking. With temperatures between 15°C and 30°C and dry, accessible trails, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the lush scenery, rolling hills, and gentle rivers without dealing with muddy paths or flooding.
Bolaven Plateau is a great spot for trekking in Southern Laos
Popular spots like the Bolaven Plateau are especially rewarding during this time, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and coffee-covered highlands. Along the way, treks often pass through ethnic minority villages, giving you a chance to experience authentic local culture and create meaningful, off-the-beaten-path connections.
While the rainy season brings vivid greenery, it also makes trekking more difficult. Therefore, if you want the most comprehensive trekking experience in South Laos, the dry season is your best bet.
If you’re in for a more peaceful option, try canoeing through the wetlands of South Laos. One of the most unique spots to do this is near the remote village of Ban Khiet Ngong, a great example of how Laos is promoting sustainable tourism, which is also a part of the Ramsar Project - a global initiative for wetland conservation.
Here, the local community manages the activity themselves, ensuring tourism supports their economy without disrupting their traditional way of life. As you paddle gently through the wetland, you’ll be surrounded by tranquil nature.
Canoeing through the beautiful wetlands of South Laos
Go ahead and watch water buffalo wade, see villagers casting nets to fish, and spot rare birds in their natural habitat. It’s a slow-paced but deeply enriching way to experience the untouched beauty of Southern Laos.
Kayaking in Si Phan Don
If you're into kayaking, the archipelago of Si Phan Don is a great place. Kayaking in Si Phan Don is usually a full-day trip, but you won’t be paddling nonstop. You can stop along the way to have a short walk to Khon Pa Soi Waterfalls. After crossing a slightly wobbly wooden suspension bridge to another island, it’s about 250 meters on foot to reach the falls.
Once you're done sightseeing and go back in the kayak, the route continues toward an area where Irrawaddy dolphins are sometimes seen. There aren’t many left, but chances are decent you’ll spot a few of them.
Read more: Embark on a Zipline Adventure Through Laos' Natural Wonders
For climbing enthusiasts, Thakhek in Southern Laos is a true paradise. With over 470 bolted sport routes ranging from beginner-friendly grades to challenging climbs, Thakhek offers something for every skill level. But what really sets it apart is the quality of the limestone rock, which means no matter the grade or sector, the climbs here are consistently rewarding and enjoyable.
Rock climbing in Thakhek can be quite hardcore
Nestled in a quiet, authentic town, Thakhek provides a peaceful base for adventure. Surrounding the town is a jaw-dropping landscape of rocky cliffs, caves, and crags, with an abundance of untouched walls that promise even more potential for exploration. Most of the developed routes are concentrated in one stunning valley near Green Climbers Home, a place many consider the finest single climbing area in Southeast Asia. Even if you’re not a seasoned climber, Thakhek’s world-class routes and tranquil setting can still make it an unforgettable stop for your southern Laos itinerary.
Southern Laos is a destination for those who crave adventure beyond the beaten path. Its raw beauty, rich culture, and untouched landscapes are best experienced with curiosity and an open mind. But even the most seasoned explorers can benefit from local insight to unlock the true magic of this region.
That’s where we come in, not to squeeze you into a cookie-cutter itinerary, but to help you craft a journey that’s truly your own, guided by our local expertise and a deep care for sustainable development. If you’re ready to plan your own southern Laos itinerary, get in touch with us today and let’s start planning a trip you’ll never forget!
Suggested for you: South Laos Tour – Discover the Hidden Wonders of Southern Laos
