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A Southern Laos Tour 5 Days offers the perfect balance of nature and local charm. This region of Laos is home to lush highlands, majestic waterfalls, ancient Khmer ruins, and the peaceful 4,000 Islands. If you’re ready to explore untouched landscapes, Asia King Travel offers expertly crafted.
Dive in the magic of Southern Laos
Choosing a 5-days tour in Southern Laos is ideal for travelers looking for a very immersive and comprehensive Southeast Asian experience, complete with culture, history, nature, and local life. Southern Laos is a region of unrealized potential, often neglected by travelers who stay within northern Laos or neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. The region, though, contains some of the most authentic and soulful experiences in all of Indochina.
The best of Southern Laos can be seen in five days, from the double waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau to the UNESCO World Heritage temple of Wat Phou, and from the laid-back calm of the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) to the range of Khone Phapheng Falls. The journey offers a mix of natural beauty, traditional Lao culture, history, and local hospitality, all off the beaten path.
Si Phan Don - The land of 4,000 island
Your 5 Day Southern Laos Tour begins in Pakse, the capital city of Champasak Province. Upon arrival, begin your adventure by exploring the Bolaven Plateau, a highland plateau renowned for its cooler climate, coffee plantations, and stunning waterfalls.
Start by visiting the Tad Fane Waterfall, twin waterfalls cascading into a deep gorge. The jungle and mist make the surroundings a paradise, and it is the best place for photography. Move to the Tad Yuang Waterfall, where swimming in the natural pool or having a picnic around is an option. The waterfalls are not only beautiful, but they also offer some insight into local ecotourism and conservation.
Zipline at the Tad Fane Waterfall
Subsequently, stop by a local coffee plantation. Bolaven Plateau is the heartland of Laos's coffee, and a visit will familiarize you with the old ways of cultivation and roasting. Enjoy a freshly ground cup while tasting the country's unique Arabica and Robusta blends.
Visit some ethnic minority villages such as the Katu and Alak tribes in the afternoon. They possess traditional lifestyles and handicrafts and offer tourists a glimpse of the rich cultural diversity of Southern Laos.
“Laap” is a should not miss dish at your Mekong riverside dinner
Return to Pakse in the late afternoon and have a Mekong riverside dinner at your option of local favorites such as laap, mok pa (steamed fish), or river prawns. Your 5 days tour in Southern Laos has started very well today with plenty of nature, culture, and hospitality.
Read more: Bolaven Plateau Pakse Tour 7 days: Wonders of South Laos
On the second day of your Southern Laos tour 5 days, drive south to Champasak, a provincial town that is the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Wat Phou. This ancient Khmer temple complex dates back before Angkor Wat and lies at the foot of Mount Phu Kao with views over the Mekong River.
Spend your morning strolling through Wat Phou's spiritual architecture, in harmony with nature and reflecting Hindu cosmography. The ancient complex comprises temples, stone staircases, and reservoirs that reflect marvelous Khmer engineering. Historical context and depth are added through a visit to the adjacent museum.
UNESCO World Heritage - Wat Phou
And stroll around the town of Champasak, renowned for its charming colonial type architecture, riverbank tranquility, and local arts. Lunch at a riverside cafe, and then visit the less toured but intriguing neighboring archaeological site of Vat Tomo.
Finally, relax in the evening with a Mekong River sunset boat cruise. Observe village fishermen laying out their nets at sunset and water buffalo bathing along the river, a quintessential vignette of rural Southern Laos country life.
Village fishermen doing their job at sunset
No Southern Laos Tour 5 Days would be complete without a visit to the tranquil beauty of Si Phan Don, or the 4,000 Islands. Begin your day by going further south to Don Khon, the largest of these river archipelago islands.
Cycle along the peaceful countryside, passing by rice paddies, coconut palms, and wooden residences. Visit the island's local market and temples to experience the way of daily life. Afternoon sail to Don Det and Don Khon, two small islands connected by an old French built bridge.
Visiting beautiful Don Khon village
Here, you’ll discover remnants of the French colonial railway, originally constructed to bypass the waterfalls of the Mekong. Visit Somphamit (Li Phi) Waterfalls, where powerful torrents crash through jagged rocks. These falls are especially impressive during the rainy season and are considered a natural barrier that prevented Mekong navigation into China.
Watch out for the Irrawaddy dolphins, an endangered species, swimming in the Cambodian border waters. Go on an organized boat tour and get the chance to spot these shy creatures in their natural habitat, a definite plus of the Southern Laos tour 5 days.
Watching Irrawaddy dolphins by the Cambodian waters
Relax in a hammock overlooking the river or enjoy a chilled coconut on the beach during sunset. Don Khong or Don Det overnights vary from camping it out in basic guest houses to riverside bungalows, perfect for a quiet night's sleep.
Read more: The best attractions for a Southern Laos Tour 5 days
Day four of your 5 days tour in Southern Laos is at one of Southeast Asia's natural wonders - Khone Phapheng Falls. These waterfalls, known as the "Niagara of the East," are the largest in volume in the region, covering more than 10 kilometers of the Mekong River.
Awe the raw power of the falling water, and explore the rest of the site on good trails and viewing points. Don't go home without your camera, this is one of Southern Laos's most photogenic spots.
Khone Phapheng Falls - Niagara of the East
Then, explore deeper into the Si Phan Don region. Rent a kayak and paddle along peaceful backwaters, explore hidden coves, or participate in a nature walk to uncover local flora and fauna. Gentle adventure converges on peaceful beauty in this section of the tour and is a requirement for nature lovers.
Learn an afternoon cooking class on the islands about preparing authentic Laotian cuisine using fresh herbs, fish, and sticky rice. It's an excellent and interactive means of becoming knowledgeable about local culture.
Laos cooking class on the islands
Cap off the day with a classic Baci ceremony, a spiritual Laotian ritual that greets friends and blesses visitors for a safe journey. Attending a Baci with a local family is a special cultural encounter and cozy end to your Southern Laos adventure.
Begin the day by visiting Dao Heuang Market, one of Southern Laos's largest markets. The market is a feast for the senses with its hue of tropical fruits, aroma of spices, and cacophony of shouting sellers. Purchase some of the handmade garments, local snacks, or souvenirs like Lao coffee beans or woven scarves.
Last but not least, visit the Golden Buddha (Phu Salao) located on a hilltop overlooking Pakse city. The giant statue has a bird's-eye view of the city and the Mekong River and is the ideal final photo shoot on the tour. The serene atmosphere and the sound of temple bells are a gentle ending to the tour.
The Golden Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking Pakse city
Enjoy a last scrumptious Lao meal on departure for the airport or your onward destination. Whether traveling on to the remainder of Laos or returning home, your Southern Laos tour 5 days will linger long after you are gone.
Southern Laos tour 5 days is not a holiday but an adventure in one of the most mysterious and off the beaten track regions of Southeast Asia. It's a perfect trip for the traveler who craves real things, nature, and people's interaction. Let Asia King Travel be your host in this life changing experience.
