Bolaven Plateau
Bolaven Full day
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.
Bolaven Loop Full Day
08:00 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.
09:15 – 09:45 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.
10:00 – 10:30 hrs
Just a short drive away we arrive at TAD GNEUYANG. There are great views of the 40 meter tall fall from the top, side and bottom. On top there is a bridge overlooking the stream. At the side there is a spot on the way down from where you can watch safely the water plummeting into the deep and at the bottom of the stairway, you can take panoramic pictures of the falls and the pool below.
10:40 – 11:00 hrs
From TAD GNEUYANG the tour proceeds back to the main road to stop for quality coffee, cocoa, tea or fruit shakes from their own production at the CAFÉ LAK 40. Amidst 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.
11:45 – 12:45 hrs
We continue our journey passing by villages, forests and fields in a 45 minutes ride to the beautiful SINOUK COFFEE RESORT, where we will take a one hour lunch break (Food and drinks there are not included in the tour price).
13:05 – 13:30 hrs
On our way then 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, which 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.
13:50 – 14:30 hrs
Next attraction on 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.
15:10 – 16:30 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.
Approximately 18:00 hrs arrival back at Pakse.
Price includes transport in clean and 100% road fit Minibus or SUV with fully licensed and experienced driver, all taxes and entrance fees and the guide at KATOU coffee.
Bolaven 2 Days 1 Night
Coffee, Cataracts and Caves
Bolaven 2 days 1 night
08:00 hrs:
Departure from Pakse (Pick-up from your hotel in Pakse center)
08:30 hrs – 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.
09:15 – 09:45 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.
10:00 – 10:30 hrs
Just a short drive away we arrive at TAD GNEUYANG. There are great views of the 40 meter tall fall from the top, side and bottom. On top there is a bridge overlooking the stream. At the side there is a spot on the way down from where you can watch safely the water plummeting into the deep and at the bottom of the stairway, you can take panoramic pictures of the falls and the pool below.
10:40 – 11:00 hrs
From TAD GNEUYANG the tour proceeds back to the main road to stop for quality coffee, cocoa, tea or fruit shakes from their own production at the CAFÉ LAK 40. Amidst 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.
11:45 – 12:45 hrs
We continue our journey passing by villages, forests and fields in a 45 minutes ride to the beautiful SINOUK COFFEE RESORT, where we will take a one hour lunch break (Food and drinks there are not included in the tour price).
13:05 – 13:30 hrs
On our way then 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, which 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.
14:00 hrs
We arrive at TAD LO where we conclude our tour for this day. Check-in at TAD LO LODGE
Leisure time to explore around TAD LO with a chance to watch the elephants taking a bath after work in the river. It is another well preserved natural site with the possibility for a relaxing walk through the dense indigenous forest. Below the fall is a natural pool perfect to have an energizing bath or watch local fishermen at work.
18:30 hrs
Dinner at TAD LO LODGE restaurant with views to the waterfall and mesmerizing jungle sounds. (Meal not included in the price)
Overnight at TAD LO LODGE
DAY 2
After breakfast we go on a one hour easy trek with a local guide exploring the beautiful surroundings of TAD LO. Walking past rice paddies, small streams and cash crop farmland, with an impressive jungle covered mountain as backdrop, BAN KHIONG TADSONUNG is soon reached, a community of the NGAE, SOAY and TA-OY tribes. Animistic like the KATOU there lives are evenly ruled by a strict code of conduct. It is absolutely mandatory to observe respectfully the various taboos for visitors, while strolling through the village.
10:00 – 11:00 hrs
Scenic drive to SALAVAN province to visit the limestone caves in the PHOUPHASOUK national park.
11:00 – 12:30 hrs
Exploring the limestone wonders of the two main caves, which connect by a 20 minute easy walk on a well marked jungle trail. The interior of the caves has good lighting and its well maintained (Clean, no plastic) secure trails lead you to the hidden beauty of this tourist attraction.
12:30 – 13:30 hrs
Walk back to the parking area and enjoy the lunchbox prepared by TAD LO LODGE.
13:30 – 15:00 hrs
Drive back through scenic landscape to CHAMPASAK province.
15:00 – 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.
18:00 hrs
Arrival back at Pakse
Price includes transport in clean and 100% road fit Minibus or SUV with fully licensed and experienced driver, accommodation with breakfast set, lunch box at cave, local guide at TAD LO trek all taxes and entrance fees and the guide at KATOU coffee.
