Southern Laos
Full Day Pakse City Tour
Explore island weaving villages, sacred stone carvers, vibrant local markets, and breathtaking Mekong sunset viewpoints.
Discover the authentic pulse of Southern Laos with a comprehensive look into Pakse city and its surrounding cultural landscapes. From the peaceful silk weaving houses on Done Kho Island to the massive, bustling aisles of Talad Daoheuang, this full-day tour uncovers traditional craft traditions, historic hillside temples, and incredible local food spots along the Mekong.
Highlights
- Boat trip to Done Kho Island to observe traditional silk weaving and village life
- Visit the artisan stone-carving workshops outside Wat Chompet
- Panoramic Mekong view lunch break at the popular "Rose in Love" restaurant
- Stroll through Talad Daoheuang, the largest authentic local market in Southern Laos
- Sunset viewing from the Chinese Temple at the meeting of the Sedon and Mekong rivers
09:00 – 10:30 AM : Done Kho Island Village Walk
Pick-up from your hotel at 09:00 AM for a short drive to Ban Saphai. From there, hop on a local boat to Done Kho Island. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the island to experience traditional Lao village life, where many local doorsteps are busy with silk weaving, fabric washing, and dying activities.
Traditional silk weavers on Done Kho Island
10:30 – 11:00 AM : Ban Saphai Handicraft Center
Return by boat to the mainland at Ban Saphai to browse their dedicated community handicraft center, showcasing premium hand-loomed textiles and local artisanal items from across the district.
Handmade textiles at the Ban Saphai center
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM : Wat Chompet & Stone Carving Village
Drive over to Wat Chompet to visit its historic temple compound and its giant Buddha installation. Afterward, take a fascinating walk through the specialized stone-carving village sitting just outside the temple gates to watch master craftsmen carving Buddha statues out of solid rock, ranging from miniature sizes to massive monuments.
Master carvers near Wat Chompet
12:00 – 14:00 PM : Mekong Riverside Views & Lunch Break
Make a quick stop at a new Buddhist temple under construction directly along the riverbank to take in panoramic views of the water. Afterward, head to the "Rose in Love" restaurant on the southern edges of Pakse. Enjoy a relaxing lunch featuring Lao, Thai, and Korean specialties while gazing across the water toward Phou Salao mountain.
Scenic lunch views overlooking the Mekong River
14:00 – 15:00 PM : Talad Daoheuang (The New Market)
Drive down to Talad Daoheuang, the single largest market marketplace in Southern Laos. Unlike typical tourist souvenir bazaars, this is an authentic, bustling local hub. Stroll through lively aisles dedicated to fresh local goods, foods, garments, jewelry, and electronics, or test out your bargaining skills.
Exploring local trade at Talad Daoheuang
15:00 – 16:00 PM : Hilltop Golden Buddha of Wat Phou Salao
Cross the Mekong River via the Japanese-Lao Friendship Bridge to visit the hilltop complex of Wat Phou Salao. Walk or drive up the hillside to admire the majestic Golden Big Buddha statue looking directly down across the city limits and the sprawling river valleys below.
Golden Big Buddha overlook at Wat Phou Salao
16:00 – 17:00 PM : Chinese Temple Sunset
Conclude your day at the majestic Chinese temple located right where the Sedon River joins the mighty Mekong. Take pictures and watch a stunning sunset drop below the horizons before enjoying a private transfer back to your hotel.
Sunset views from the river confluence Chinese temple
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included: Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle, professional English-speaking guide services, all site entrance fees, fresh drinking water, cool tissues, and local travel permits.
Excluded: Personal meals/food at restaurants, flights, visa fees, single supplements, drinks other than water, and personal tips/expenses. Peak season surcharges apply from Dec 20 – Jan 06.