4 days 3 nights Action Tour of the South
(4 days 3 nights) 4 days 3 nights Action Tour of the South
Day 1
08:00 hrs
After picking you up from your hotel or designated meeting point we cross the MEKONG bridge to drive South, passing small villages nestled between jungle covered mountains and the banks of the river.
08:30 – 08:50 hrs
Before reaching the greater CHAMPASAK town area we stop briefly at VAT PHOU NGOI to climb a long steep stairway to the temple on top of the hill, from where a stunning view down to the MEKONG and the CHAMPASAK plain can be enjoyed.
09:15 – 11:15 hrs
After entering the VAT PHOU (Temple of the mountain) complex, it is recommended to visit the museum first before proceeding to the actual site, to get helpful info of the history and the structures you are going to see.
A free of charge electric shuttle vehicle will take you from the museum about 1 km to the first level of structural remains. Following the ancient causeway upwards past partially reconstructed ruins decorated with stone carvings of HINDU deities and demons, you climb up steep, rocky stairs, until the sacred spring emanating from the bottom of the vertical sandstone cliff enclosing the sanctuary comes in sight, inviting you to taste the clean, fresh Holy water.
An amazing view over the CHAMPASAK landscape, the MEKONG, DON DAENG island and the plains spreading out to the horizon are the reward for the strenuous climb. This particular spring was an integral part of the temple construction, as its Holy water was used to keep a combo of sacred linga and yoni constantly wet, supposedly giving it therefore greater divine powers. On your way back to the entrance there is a pick-up point for the free electric shuttle service, saving you a sweaty walk in the glaring sun.
Note: It is recommended to bring an umbrella for sun protection, but you can also rent umbrellas at the site for a small fee, though there is just a limited number available.
11:30 – 12:00 hrs
A short drive from VAT PHOU is the location of the crumbling ruins of HONG NANG SIDA. Currently in process of restoration by a KOREAN/LAO joint venture, it is possible to observe conversation in action. HONG NANG SIDA is also part of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site.
12:15 – 13:00 hrs
Return to CHAMPASAK town to enjoy lunch at the beautiful NAKORN Café & Restaurant overlooking the MEKONG to DON DAENG island.
13:10 – 13:30 hrs
Ferry from CHAMPASAK across the MEKONG.
14:30 – 15:30 hrs
After a one hour drive through agricultural landscape of Southern Laos, we arrive at the ancient ruins of VAT SAIKHOUNE. Built on top of a hill amidst the jungle one has a great view overlooking the nearby 4000 islands and surroundings.
15:50 – 16:30 hrs
Continue the drive to NAKASANG.
16:45 – 17:15 hrs
Passing numerous small, uninhabited islands and sandbars your ferry boat will take you to DON DET or DON KHONE, depending on the location of your overnight stay.
18:00 hrs
Check-in at your hotel on DON DET (PARADISE VIEW) or DON KHONE (SENGALOUNE VILLA)
19:00 hrs (variable)
Dinner at the hotel
Leisure time
Day 2
09:30 – 11:00 hrs
After breakfast we start our kayaking tour at the launch point near our office with a brief paddling and safety instruction.
The course we are taking down the MEKONG is suitable even for beginners and our kayaking guides will take good care of you to insure the utmost fun and beautiful memories!
The first ca.30 minutes on the water we pass along the eastern banks of DON DET down to the western side of DON KHONE, where we stop near the WAT KHON TAI temple to walk from there to the nearby LIPPHI FALLS WATERPARK. Especially in monsoon season the white water noisily gushing down between the rocks create a constant cloud of mist rising above the falls.
In dry season the water flow between the rocks is less turbulent and you might see local fishermen climbing between the rapids to inspect the traps set to catch some fish.
11:00 – 12:30 hrs
We continue our walk past the LIPPHI FALLS for another 30 minutes to reach KHONGYAI BEACH, where we can swim in clear water, relax and take our lunch.
12:30 – 14:00 hrs
The kayaks are transported to KHONGYAI BEACH from where we get back onto the river for another ca.30 – 40 minutes downstream passing between the South end of DON KHONE and CAMBODIA. Brief stop at HANG KHONE to check out the infos about the old French locomotive and the way the goods where transported in colonial times. There is also a memorial for the now in Laos extinct Irrawaddy dolphins. We set forth to our last leg of paddling for another 30-40 minutes reaching our take-out point at DON SADAM.
14:00 – 14:30 hrs
Drive by Minivan to KHONEPHAPHENG waterfall, the biggest by volume in SOUTH-EAST ASIA. This van will bring your luggage, so you have here a chance to change your outfit, which might be wet, sweaty and dirty after a day kayaking and walking.
14:30 – 15:30 hrs
Enjoy the beautiful park, Buddhist shrine with sacred tree and the winding boardwalk along the roaring falls, which are especially impressive during or right after monsoon season.
15:30 – 17:30 hrs
Drive for ca. 2 hours to Pakse.
17:30 hrs
Check in at Pakse Hotel (Or similar if no vacancy)
19:00 hrs (Variable)
Dinner
Leisure time.
DAY 3
Bolaven Plateau – Touch the Sky
The Bolaven plateau is a vast highland rising east of Pakse to an altitude of 1000-1350 meters above sea level. Created by a gigantic extinct volcano, its cooler climate, abundant rainfall and fertile soil inspired the French colonialists in the early 20th century to introduce large scale cash crop farming like coffee, tea, rubber and tobacco to the local tribes, namely the Laven(Bo-Laven=Home of the Laven), Alak, Katu, Ta-oy and Suay. Numerous rivers cutting deep into the hard volcanic bedrock have created a wide variety of waterfalls, some of them easily accessible by road. Being famous for the production of world class coffee, it has recently become a sought after tourist destination with spectacular options.
08.00 – 08:30 hrs:
Departure from Pakse (Pick-up from your hotel in Pakse center)
08.30 – 08.45 hrs
First stop at BAN BLACKSMITH village, spread out alongside the main access road to Bolaven. Several small family-run workshops offer their production of various farming tools, machetes and knives, all forged in simple smithies open for anyone to see.
Note: There will be no work on Buddha days.
09.10 – 09.30 hrs
Now arriving at the height of the Bolaven plateau the first photo opt at Agricultural research facility (Km 35). This government run institution monitors and develops crop production in Bolaven, from their property the view into the Ban Riang river gorge is an awe inspiring attraction.
10.00 – 10.45 hrs
After a short drive the twin falls of TAD FANE are reached. With a height of 120 meters they are the tallest in Laos. The spacious wooden platform at the edge of the cliff presents a clear, unobstructed view onto the falls, only during rainy season they can be totally obscured by mist. The most exciting perspectives of this natural wonder are seen from the daring ZIPLINE traversing the canyon.
11.00 – 12.00 hrs
Just a short drive away we arrive at TAD NUYANG for the lunch break. There are great views of the 40 meter tall fall from the top, side and bottom. On top there is a picnic area right at the riverside and several restaurants overlooking the stream. Lunch can be ordered there (at your own convenience and expense) watching the water plummeting into the deep with thunderous sound. For the fit and adventurous a steep and slippery stairway winds down to the pool at the foot of the waterfall, presenting the opportunity to enjoy an invigorating swim or a contemplative chill-out beneath the ever present spray.
12.30 – 13:00 hrs
Change from Minibus to Jeep at the Cc 1971 Café in Paksong.
13.00 – 15.00 hrs
Drive about 20 minutes by Jeep on good road to BAN BENG, then continue on a rocky, bumpy road for another 15 minutes to reach TAD MOUN waterfall for relaxing, swimming, exploring.
15.00 – 16.00 hrs
Drive on local roads to MYSTIC MOUNTAIN HOMESTAY.
16.00 – 16.30 hrs
Check-in and enjoy welcome drink (Coffee, tea, etc.)
16.30 – 17.00 hrs
Walk up ca. 20 minutes to a nearby hilltop, where you can enjoy exclusively an awe inspiring 360 degrees all around view of the Bolaven landscape.
No other place in Bolaven can offer this!
17.00 – 18.00 hrs
Depending on the season and the weather we watch the sunset from this spectacular spot.
Afterwards walk back downhill to the homestay to refresh before dinner.
19.00 hrs (Variable)
Dinner
Leisure time
Day 4
07.30 hrs
Breakfast
08.00 – 12.00 hrs
Go by Jeep on local roads and trails (Can be rocky and bumpy at times) to BAN KHOT NOY, where we meet a local guide for our trekking up to the rocks of DAN SINXAI.
On the way we stop for a lengthy picnic at TAD LINGTOON waterfall, before we proceed with our ascent to the top.
12.00 – 13.00 hrs
We take the jeep from there back to the main road and drive to LAK 40 Café
13.00 – 14.00 hrs
LAK 40 Café is surrounded by a lush evergreen garden of plants and trees mainly indigenous to Bolaven, this charming place holds a coffee and tea processing facility open for interested visitors. A wide selection of organic products from the Bolaven is available here.
14.10 – 14.30 hrs
Back in the van we carry on our journey around the Bolaven. We make a brief stop at the BAN KOK PHUNG TAI village market, where members of the KATOU tribe offer their homegrown produce. The KATOU are an animistic tribe believing in the spiritual mind and soul as well as spirits adhering to or inhabiting all things and beings. Their lives are ruled by strictly followed customs and traditions, that have been handed down for many generations. The women are known for their colorful intricate cotton weavings, while the men are skillful wood carvers. They all share a passion of smoking homegrown tobacco mixed with herbs from large bamboo bongs.
15.10 – 15.50 hrs
We continue our tour to arrive at the cataracts of TAD LO, another well preserved natural site with the possibility for a relaxing walk through the dense indigenous forest. Below the fall is one more chance to have an energizing bath or watch local fishermen at work.
16.20 – 17.00 hrs
Final stop at a village famous for its organic coffee production and KATOU style weaving. Entrepreneur and local guide Mr. VIENG happily shares his profound knowledge about Bolaven coffee from seed to cup and you can choose from a wide variety of exclusive coffee products and textile handicrafts for sale.
18.30 hrs
Arrival back at Pakse
Tour Price Includes
Transport in clean and 100% road-fit Minibus, SUV, or Jeep
Fully licensed and experienced driver
Breakfast & lunch during the kayaking tour
Breakfast buffet at Pakse Hotel
At Mystic Mountain Homestay, you’ll receive: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fresh fruit, Drinking water
Local guide at Dan Sinxai
All taxes, road tolls, and entrance fees
Guide at Katou Coffee
Where does your money go?
20% promote the village
20% Office profit
15% Transport
10% Communities profit
10% Authorize Tax
25% Guide
Community Contribution Breakdown
| Category | Whai It Covers |
| Communities | Homestay, village pass fee, meals, trail maintenance, trekking trail creation, community fund |
| Individual Local People | Local guide, local transportation |
| Local Market | Local meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) |
| Authorization | Natural conservation fund |
Tour Price
| Minimum | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax | 7 pax | 8 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pax | 597$ / p.p. | 485$ / p.p. | 417$ / p.p. | 387$ / p.p. | 353$ / p.p. | 328$ / p.p. | 305$ / p.p. |
Contact Us:
+856 31 515 071, 020 92 964 495
+856 20 99 154 599
greenparadisetours99@gmail.com
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Branch Office
No 24 RD
Thaluang Village
Pakse City
Champasak Province
Lao P.D.R
Reception Hours
7:30 AM - 09:00 PM
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