Highlight Of Southern Laos , 5 days

On arrival at Pakse  Airport, you are greeted by our guide and  driven to the former royal capital of Champasak, a gateway to  the pre-angkorian Wat Phou Temple. The good introduction of this sacred sight is a collection of recovered objects, architectural elements and sculptures, displayed  at the Wat Phou Museum. We pay a quick look at this museum before exploring the temple complex. This hillside temple has a unique structure with  the elements leading to a shrine  where a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva was bathed in water from a mountain spring. The original structure dates back to the fifth century but is deteriorated in turbulent history of Laos; however, it is still fascinating to stroll  among the ruins.  We follow a walkway from  the lower to the upper section and pass various forms, including Vishnu, Shiva and Kala. The upper ground of Wat Phou Temple  also affords a spectacular view of the surrounding valley, rustic villages and winding river. We leave Wat Phou for Don Khong, the largest island out of Don Det and Don Khone. The lush island of Don Khong does not have the waterfal, cheap bungalows or river bars of its counterparts, but it offers real Lao life paired with a languid pace and sensational river views. The major pastime in Don Khong  is cycling or motorbiking to explore the rual landscape and the local life closeup..  We check in our hotel and may have time to enjoy a bike ride through the beautiful countryside to the  Wat Chom Thong. This attractive pagoda features the combination of Lao and Khmer architecture.

Today, we embark on a traditional boat to venture into the widest reach of the Mekong River, from where are many islets jutting out in dry season. They give this area a lovely name four thousands of islands, locally called ” Si Phan Done ”.  The local boat passes by Don Det and Don Som before  racing against the water to Don Khone. These lush islands are mostly covered by coconut palms, flame trees, stands of bamboo, kapok trees, and hardwoods, but Don Khone still retains a more authentical Lao charm.  We anchor at the  peaceful island of Don Khone and stroll through Ban Khone Village, catching a great insight into the Lao rural life without hustle and bustle found in more built-up areas. Along the walkway, we make stop to see an old locomotive and some abandoned railways. They are proper relics of the bygone colonial area in this watery region. We start riding our bike along this village lane to the Liphi Waterfall, which also named " Corridor of the Devil". Upon leaving Don Khone, we travel by boat to Ban Lakasang, a small riverside town, and head south to the largest fall in southeastern Asia, Khon Phapheng . This famous waterfall reaches 21 meter high at certain points and stretches 9.7 km of the river length, blocking all attempt of fluvial traffic from Laos to Cambodia. We catch a spectacular view  of Khon Phapheng Waterfall where some million litres of water crash over the rock formations.

The mountainous altitude gives a lush color to the surrounding jungles  often covered in a morning mist. Today we can get up early to admire this stunning scenery before we embark on a along trekking excursion. The local footpath goes along the undulating terrains of the Xe Set River to the beautiful Tad Suong Waterfall, the largest one in this mountain region. The trekking is strenuous at times as we walk through steep terraced fields, lush forest and rocky riverside. However, some physical preparation will enable you to maximize the enjoyment from this walk. We blaze the local trails with our local guide, seeing the beautiful nature and the local villages, home to the Katu and  Ta Oi minority people. These  villagers are mostly living from the slash and burnt traditions and also speak their own dialect. The local guide will help you to  learn more about the customs and traditions of these animist tribal groups. They still retain their old age traditions of the annual buffalo sacrifice, usually held during the full moon of march and  seriously believe that  this sacrifice  affects their harvest in the following season. We walk around the village and have a look at the spectacular Tad Suong Waterfalls. The clear water tumbling from 100 m high over the river bed makes for a fantastic scene.  We complete our trekking day and stretch our legs on a drive  to Pakse Town, the  major transport and commercial hub for southern Laos.

There are no activities planned for the final day. You may have free time to continue your exploration of Pakse Town, do your last shopping or simply look back upon your trip images. The holiday comes to an end with a transfer to Pakse Airport for  your departure.