Southern Laos
Vat Phou UNESCO Heritage & Bolaven Plateau Combo Tour
Experience ancient Khmer history and lush highland nature in one comprehensive full-day circuit.
This ultimate full-day itinerary combines the absolute crown jewels of Southern Laos. Begin your morning exploring the ancient pre-Angkorian stone ruins of Vat Phou, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on the slopes of Mount Phu Kao. Afterward, journey up into the refreshing climates of the Bolaven Plateau to marvel at thunderous waterfalls, active artisan villages, and organic plantation gardens.
Highlights
- Explore the historic sanctuaries, carvings, and museum artifacts at Vat Phou
- Witness the iconic 120-meter twin torrent volcanic canyon at Tad Fane
- Walk through lush jungle trails and swim in the bottom pools at Tad Yeuang
- Observe traditional knife forging at the Ban Blacksmith artisan stalls
- Sip homegrown organic coffee amidst the botanical landscapes of Café Lak 40
08:45 – 10:30 AM : Ancient Vat Phou UNESCO Archeological Site
Departure from your hotel in Pakse center at 08:00 AM. Arrive at the ancient Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou. It is highly recommended to explore the on-site historical museum first to review the old artifacts and deep history of the sanctuary. Afterward, walk through the sweeping stone steps, sacred platforms, and intricate lintel carvings built long ago along the hillside overlooking the Mekong River plain.
The magnificent stone pathways of Vat Phou
11:30 – 11:45 AM : Traditional Ban Blacksmith Crafts
Head back toward Pakse and climb onto the mountain slopes of the Bolaven Plateau. Our next stop is the heritage Ban Blacksmith village. Walk among various roadside family workshops specializing in traditional agricultural tools, hand-forging anything from jungle knives to custom machetes following secular craft procedures. Note: There is no active forging work on Buddha days.
Secular artisan forging at Ban Blacksmith village
12:35 – 13:20 PM : Thunderous Tad Fane Viewpoint
After a short drive up the plateau roads, reach the awe-inspiring twin cascades of Tad Fane. Towering at 120 meters, they stand as the tallest waterfalls in Laos. Admire the two parallel streams plunging straight into an ancient volcanic crater cone. Thrill-seekers can opt to attempt the canyon zipline crossing (requires booking 1 day in advance).
The spectacular double torrent canyon view at Tad Fane
13:20 – 14:00 PM : Tad Yeuang Waterfall & Lunch Break
Arrive at the beautiful jungle landscape of Tad Yeuang waterfall. This majestic 40-meter cascade features twin torrents tumbling down a lush, pristine cliff side. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant located right inside the Tad Yeuang waterfall area. Please exercise extreme caution when walking down the access stairs as they are often very wet and slippery! Swimming in the refreshing bottom pool is perfectly safe.
Idyllic jungle scenery and swimmable pools at Tad Yeuang
14:05 – 14:40 PM : Organic Coffee Tasting at Café Lak 40
Proceed back to the main route to stop at the charming Café Lak 40 estate. Relax with a walk through a lush, indigenous evergreen garden or tour their open coffee and tea processing facility. Enjoy a fresh cup of homegrown organic coffee, tea, cocoa, or fruit smoothies. A wide selection of certified organic plateau goods is available for purchase.
Freshly brewed highland coffee at Café Lak 40
15:30 – 16:00 PM : Return to Pakse Center
Board your vehicle for the comfortable drive back down the plateau, arriving at your Pakse city hotel between 15:30 PM and 16:00 PM.
Total Circuit Distance: Approximately 185 Kilometers · Departure: 08:00 AM · Return: 15:30 – 16:00 PM
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included: Private air-conditioned vehicle transportation, professional English-speaking tour guide, all historical and waterfall site admission fees, refreshing bottled drinking water during tours, and required local travel permits.
Excluded: Visa stamping fees, lunches/meals, international airline tickets, personal travel insurance, tips, extra drinks, and personal shopping expenses.