Southern Laos
Bolaven Plateau & Phousalao Full Day Tour
Discover coffee heritage plantations, historic wartime cafes, spectacular 120-meter waterfalls, and golden sunset viewpoints.
Embark on an immersive journey through the heart of the Bolaven Plateau and the coffee capital of Paksong. This rich full-day itinerary combines pristine natural wonders, historical exploration at a vintage wartime building, deep coffee-growing insights inside sweeping plantations, and a stunning golden hour finish overlooking the Mekong River.
Highlights
- Walk through active growing fields at Paksong Highlands Coffee Plantation
- Relax inside the unique historical wartime setting of CC 1971 Café
- Behold the majestic 120-meter Tad Fane and swimmable Tad Yuang waterfalls
- Sip local blends surrounded by evergreen botanical gardens at Café Lak 40
- Watch the sunset across Pakse city from the golden giant Buddha of Wat Phou Salao
08:30 – 09:00 AM : Ban Blacksmith Village
Our journey begins with a departure from Pakse. Our first cultural stop is at Ban Blacksmith village, spread out along the main plateau access road. Walk among small, family-run workshops to observe traditional artisans forging essential farming tools and knives using secular craft procedures. Note: There is no active forging work on Buddha days.
Secular craft forging at Ban Blacksmith village
09:40 – 10:00 AM : Cozy Break at Lava Cafe
Arrive in Paksong for a short, cozy stop at the beautiful Lava Cafe & Resort. Take in the grand countryside landscape while relaxing with local food options, snacks, and refreshing hot or cold drinks before hitting the main waterfall trails.
Scenic countryside relaxation at Lava Cafe
10:20 – 11:00 AM : Thunderous Tad Fane Twin Falls
After a short drive, we reach the spectacular Tad Fane waterfall complex. Witness two powerful water flows tumbling 120 meters down into a deep volcanic cone crater. High-altitude canyon ziplining is available for travelers looking for an extra rush of adventure (must be booked 1 day in advance).
The magnificent 120m twin streams of Tad Fane
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM : Idyllic Tad Yuang Waterfall
Arrive next at Tad Yuang waterfall, a gorgeous 40-meter cascade surrounded by dense jungle foliage. Enjoy excellent vistas from the top trails or walk down the stairs to stand at the refreshing base. A pristine picnic area sits right at the riverside alongside a local restaurant looking out over the stream flows.
Lush jungle trails and pools at Tad Yuang
12:00 – 12:30 PM : Botanical Treats at Café Lak 40
Head back to the main route for an immersive stop at Café Lak 40. Surrounded by a lush evergreen botanical garden filled with indigenous plateau plants, this lovely facility processes its own coffee, tea, cocoa, and fruit shakes. Browse a wide assortment of organic products available on-site.
Organic processing and gardens at Café Lak 40
13:00 – 14:00 PM : Historical CC 1971 Café
Step inside CC 1971 Café in Paksong, a widely popular vintage venue built within an old wartime structure. Browse historical bullet holes and old bomb shell casings on display while relaxing with fresh Paksong coffee, smoothies, cakes, or traditional Thai and Lao dishes.
Historical wartime architecture at CC 1971 Café
14:20 – 15:00 PM : Paksong Highlands Plantation Tour
Tour the world-renowned Paksong Highlands Coffee Plantation. Walk among lush agricultural rows to observe how premium Arabica and Robusta beans are grown, harvested, and processed, concluding with a fresh brew in the crisp highland mountain climate.
Exploring rows of Arabica at Paksong Highlands
16:00 – 17:30 PM : Golden Sunset at Wat Phou Salao
Our final destination is the beautiful hilltop sanctuary of Wat Phou Salao in Pakse. Admire the giant Golden Big Buddha statue looking out across the Mekong River. Walk the long, peaceful staircases lined with smaller Buddha icons or drive up to enjoy a serene sunset over the entire Pakse city landscape before returning to your hotel.
Golden Buddha sunset panorama at Wat Phou Salao
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included: Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers, professional driver (who acts as your coordinator), all site entrance fees, fresh drinking water, cool tissues, and local travel permits.
Excluded: Personal meals/food, flights, visa fees, single supplements, drinks other than water, and personal expenses (laundry, tips, etc.). Peak season surcharges apply from Dec 20 – Jan 06.