Laos - Southern Laos

Southern Laos is one of Asia’s hidden gems, where the people maintain their traditional ways of life and the scenery is unparalleled. The main town, Pakse, is a great starting point for travelers. It is serviced by an international airport and is not far from the Thai border. Although an interesting town, most travelers do not choose to spend much time there as there is not a lot to see.

Heading east from Pakse, you enter the Boloven Platueau. Here, in the cool highlands, Laos’ delicious coffee and tea is grown and harvested. The area is also filled with great waterfalls and is an ideal trekking destination for light day hikes. 

South of Pakse is the town of Champassak, situated on the Mekong River. Champassak is a blend of English and French colonial buildings and traditional Lao houses. This tranquil area is also home to the splendid Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. 

Starting in Champassak lies the 4000 Islands, called ‘Siphandon’ in the Lao language. This area is one of the jewels of the Mekong, where the river stretches over 14km wide and has thousands of islands between the river banks. The water flows around the islands and forms rapids as it runs down to the Cambodian border. Siphandon is a unique and breathtaking place with a laidback atmosphere. 

Spending a night or two on Don Daeng Island at La Folie Lodge is a real treat. The lodge is in a spectacular location: facing the hills of Wat Phou and surrounded by the Mekong River. 

The 4000 Islands are one of the remaining homes of the Irrawaddy Dolphin, a freshwater dolphin on the verge of extinction. Staying on the islands of Don Khone, Don Khong, or Don Det one is likely to spot these elusive animals. 

Also in this area, on the way to the Cambodian border, there are the Lippi and Khone Phapheng waterfalls. The Phapheng falls are the largest falls in Laos and also the only section of the Mekong that is not navigable by boat. Lippi falls hold a sort of mysticism for the Lao people who believe they capture evil spirits. 

We think the best way to explore this region is by traveling along the Mekong by boat. Our Wat Phou Cruise is a spectacular journey through the Siphandon region. Enjoy the tranquility of the steady pace of boat travel as you venture along the Mekong on this 3 day- 2 night cruise.