Being a large part of Laos with so many awe-inspiring places to explore; it might be a bit difficult to determine where to visit in Southern Laos. Refer below Southern Laos travel guide for Laos Tour package. There are 4 main must-see parts in Southern Laos including Pakse town, Bolaven Plateau, Champassak and Si Phan Don.
What is southern Laos and where is it located?
Southern Laos comprising 4 main provinces including Champassak, Attapeu, Sekong and Salavan. Of which, Champassak is the most well-known place to travelers. This province introduces the most stunning attractions of Laos tourism including Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phu and 4,000 islands.
Undeniably, this area is a non touristy place in Laos which showcases a stunning natural beauty in Laos. Despite the country being mostly covered by greenish jungles and characterizing dozens of beautiful waterfalls, the highlands and plunging waterfalls in the south of Laos are jaw-dropping and make your Laos trip amazing and memorable. Traveling to pristine southern Laos and exploring the fantastic off-the-beaten tracks is extraordinary!
How to get to Southern Laos and travel around this region?
Southern Laos borders Vietnam in the east, Cambodia in the south and Thailand in the West; border crossing trips are appealing to adventurous travelers as well. To enter southern Laos from Vietnam, travelers can start at Bo Y international border gate in Kon Tum Province. Then drive roughly 280km (174 miles) to reach Pakse – the gateway to southern Laos. Dom Kralor is the point in Cambodia that visitors can cross to Laos. Entering Voeung Kam, travelers will right away find the 4,000 islands region of Laos. To reach southern Laos from Thailand, you travel to Ubon Ratchathani and make the cross at Chong Mek. This border town is only 45km (28 miles) from Pakse town.
Apart from above border crossing points, you also can fly to southern Laos landing at the airport in Pakse. Travelers can make international flights to Pakse from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Siem Reap. You can obtain Laos visa upon arrival from Pakse Airport as well. During the covid-19 restricted periods, only direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane to Pakse are available.
For a complete Southern Laos tour package, car transfer is the most suitable choice. It is convenient for tourists to travel between destinations. During the exploration of each place, there are typical transportation to experience such as having a jeep to head up Bolaven Plateau and coffee plantations, or a local long boat to cruise over the islands, biking to remote villages for active travelers, etc.
How to plan a southern Laos travel itinerary?
1. Pakse Town
Pakse was the capital city of the Kingdom of Champassak. In 1946 when the Kingdom of Laos was born, Champassak was unified with the rest of Laos. These days, it is the gateway to southern Laos as it is the hub for land and air transportations. However, Pakse is a really nice place and it is definitely worth visiting to gain an insight on indigenous lifestyle.
Highlighted places to visit in Pakse
Wat Luang
Wat Luang is a beautiful riverside temple located in the heart of Pakse Town. It features Laos style with tiled roof, exquisite wooden doors and beautiful ornate temple pillars. Wat Luang is the oldest and largest among 20 wats in town; and a crucial religious worshiping place in Pakse. If visiting Wat Luang in the morning, you shall observe the alms giving ceremony at the temple. On the other hand, a visit at 6pm in the evening offers a chance to hear the chanting of monks.
Wat Luang was constructed in 1935 as a monastery school. Visit Buddhist college nearby the temple, you can make conversation with young monks and get to know about their practices.
Phou Salao Hill
Phou Salao Hill is an impressive viewpoint in Pakse. This place offering stunning scenes of winding Mekong River with the Laos-Japanese friendship bridge and Pakse town. The most noticeable thing to know is how to get to Phou Salao hill. There are a couple of choices for your references such as hiking up on your own to the peak with expectations of 500 steep staircases as well as unpaved paths; or having the car to transfer you up the way.
On the apex of Salao Hill is the Wat Phousalao with a giant Golden Buddha looking toward Pakse town center. On the way to the peak, you also see groups of monks or locals walking up the slope to the temple. The best moment for terrific scenes from Phou Salao hill is sunset. Just prepare well for the transfer down as it will be pretty dim afterward.
Champasak Provincial Historical Heritage Museum
It’s a small museum in Pakse introducing the history of Champassak, local dignitaries. You also see a collection of musical instruments, agrarian equipment on fishing, farming, handicrafts artifacts. The building comprises two floors for tourists’ visiting. The first floor is set up with interesting artifacts and the second floor exhibits historical images about Champassak. It’s an interesting place to know more about the southern part of Laos.
Dao Heuang Market
Dao Heuang Market in Pakse is near the Laos-Japanese bridge; and one of the largest local markets in Laos. Swing by Talat Dao Heuang, you shall find plentiful types of local produce. There are fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, electronics goods, clothes, dried ingredients or traditional medicines, household stuff, etc. You also might try local food at the dining area. Talat Daoheuang is also the hub for not only Laos but Vietnamese and Thai businessmen. It’s worth spending around 1 – 1.5 hour to observe the local lifestyle.
Don Kho Island – Saphai weaving Village – Don Khor stone carving Village
These three spots in Champasak Province are highly recommended and definitely a must-do when you traverse Pakse. A journey to these villages and island unveil the most authentic experiences with chances to admire the pristine local lifestyle and bucolic countryside landscape in southern Laos, learn of indigenous culture and handicrafts. If you make an adventure to southern Laos, these destinations are highly suggested for your cultural Laos tour packages. Other destinations to know more about Laos culture like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
From Pakse – the capital of Champasak, you travel 10km (6.2 miles) toward the north of town upstreaming the Mekong river to find Don Kho Island. Believe it or not, Don Kho was the capital of Champasak province during the French colonial period. The Don Kho Island of roughly 500 people sitting right in the mainstream of the Mekong River features greenish landscape and paddy fields. There are homestays in Don Kho Island for those wishing to stay over and gain an insight of local life.
Saphai weaving Village is around 13km (8 miles) in the north of Don Kho Island. You might travel from Pakse town to Saphai village and pay a visit before reaching Don Kho Island by taking an exceptional local boat ride downstream the Mekong River. Getting around Saphai Village, you will find local people with weaving dooms and make stops to learn about their handicraft.
Don Khor village in Champasak is renowned for stone carvings. Getting around, you shall learn about local villagers’ jobs which last for decades; visit rice noodle factories and intermingle further with locals. The excursion to Don Kho Island, Saphai and Don Kho villages also is convenient to make a stop at Wat Chomphet or the Giant Buddha temple.
2. Bolaven Plateau
Bolaven Plateau, around 50km (31 miles) from Pakse town, is one of the must-do in southern Laos tour itinerary. Situated between the Annamite Mountain Range and Mekong River, Bolaven Plateau features mountainous typography and confluences of rivers. This characteristic grants Bolaven Plateau an idyllic nature of the lush green highland and the spectacular waterfalls. With an elevation from 1,000m – 1,350m (3,280 – 4,430f), Bolaven Plateau’s climate is moderate, pleasant weather and suitable for plantation. Early 20th century, when Laos was under colonial occupation, the French brought coffee to the Bolaven Plateau and proceeded to plant coffee, rubber, banana, etc.
Including Bolaven Plateau in your adventure Laos tour package, you will venture stunning plunging waterfalls, visit local plantations, taste Laos coffee, go trekking and meet up with hill tribe villagers. Southern Laos is diversified of ethnic groups such as Laven, Souay, Ta-Oy and so on. You shall have chances to know more about different lifestyles and practices. There are impressive coffee houses and rustic accommodations for overnight.
Visiting Bolaven Plateau in different periods of the year, you will experience different landscapes and activities. July to October is the rainy season where the waterfalls over Bolaven Plateau are more astonishing. October to February is the dry season; then it’s easier for your trekking trip on red sand paths and you can join locals harvesting coffee. Getting to Bolaven Plateau is also an exciting experience where you can choose a car, jeep, scooter or bicycles depending on your traveling styles and duration of interest.
Must see places of Bolaven Plateau
Tad Fane
Tad Fane is the iconic twin streams waterfalls in Southern Laos impressively plunging 120m (394 feet) in the jungle of Dong Hua Sao. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will capture the best sunlight over the thrilling waterfalls; also expect the fog as the temperature is lower during these moments. You also can try the zipline over Tad Fane making you 300m (984 feet) above and see Tad Fane from above.
Hiking to the neighborhoods of Tad Fane, you will find the coffee plantation to pay a visit; and spot the local handicraft of blacksmith.
Tad Yuang Waterfall
Tad Yuang Waterfall is only 3 km (1.8 miles) from Tad Fane. This beautiful 40m high (131 feet) waterfall is surrounded with fascinating nature among the melodious waterfalling sound. Walking a bit slippery 200 steps down to the pools, you can go swimming. There are spaces for picnics and stores to buy drinks and snacks. You also expect a crowd as it’s less quiet than other remote areas.
Tad Lo waterfalls
Tad Lo is around 50km (31 miles) from Paksong which is the gateway to Bolaven Plateau. Tat Lo waterfalls lie next to Xe Set River – a tributary of Xe Don River deriving from Mekong River. Exploring Tad Lo, you will reveal 3 waterfalls beginning with the Tad Hang at 6m (20 feet) tall and wide. Carrying on 0.5km upstream (0.3 miles) you will find the bigger one Tad Lo waterfall. Then uppering stream of 4km (2.5 miles) to see Tad Soung waterfall. Walking around the rocky top of this 50m high (164 feet) waterfall, you can admire the beautiful vista of Bolaven Plateau.
Swimming in Tad Lo is possible; besides, you also can hike to nearby serene villages and visit organic coffee farm. Just keep in mind the evening water releasing from upstream damp; then check with locals to assure your safety when visiting the area.
Jeep Ride over Bolaven Plateau
It’s an incredible experience to join the jeep ride over Bolaven Plateau, passing muddy trails to the coffee plantation and local villages to have an insightful knowledge on Laos culture. Feeling the sense of southern Laos. Mystic Mountain Coffee is highly recommended where the owner will introduce his coffee plantation, have your visits to different ethnic villages.
Sinouk Coffee Resort
There are dozens of lodges and accommodations on Bolaven Plateau; in which Sinouk Coffee Resort is a wonderful choice to relax in your Southern Laos travel trip. Nestled inside the coffee plantation itself, the resort offers tranquil stay to enjoy the sense of Bolaven Plateau.
Above attractions are the stunning places to do in Bolaven Plateau that you can input into a 2-3 day itinerary in Bolaven Plateau. Despite this, Bolaven Plateau is a large area, and adventurers might wish to delve further into and take the larger loop of Bolaven Plateau to Phouphiang Bolaven, Thateng, Sekong and Tayicsua. It surely requires more strengths and days to know them well.
3. Champassak Town
Champasak town, around 40km (25 miles) in the south of Pakse, is the next destination to discover in the southern Laos tour. This small charming town in the West of the Mekong River is depicted by some colonial buildings and bucolic atmosphere.
Things to do in Champassak
Wat Phou
Wat Phou is the oldest temple in Laos which was constructed in the 5th century. However, most of the remaining relics are from the 11th – 13th century. Wat Phou is situated at the foot of Phou Khao Mountains which is roughly 13km (8 miles) from Champasak town. You can get to Wat Phou by car, tuktuk, or take a pleasant bicycle ride in the rustic countryside in southern Laos.
Despite Wat Phou temple not being totally intact, its remains reveal it was dedicated to Hindu. You will find the lingam and Shiva symbols, temple structure as well as Hindu reliefs. In the 13th century, Wat Phou was repaired and from then on became a Buddhist temple. Iconic Wat Phou, a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2001, plays a significant role in religious worship in Laos. It’s a must in any travel itinerary in southern Laos.
Wat Muang Kang
Wat Muang Kang with an impressive blend of Colonial and Laos architectures is a riverside temple located 9.5km (6 miles) from Champassak. It is the oldest active one in Champasak, facing the Mekong River. After visiting Wat Muang Kang, you can proceed a stroll around Muang Kang Village where most villagers earn their livings by bamboo weaving. You might stop and see their handicrafts products as well as admire the scenic view of Mekong River.
Don Daeng Island
Don Daeng Island in Champasak is a secluded island embraced by the Mekong River in southern Laos. Leave the hustle lifestyle and air-pollution behind, have a pleasant stay on the island, get involved into the bucolic village with rice paddy fields, palm trees, the natural jungles and fishing lifestyles. You can have a cycling trip on Don Daeng Islands and pay visits to many local villages, join locals for fishing over Mekong River, and enjoy the picturesque scenes of rivers and mountains.
Xe Pian National Protected Area
Xe Pian National Protected Area is one of outstanding nature reserves and ecotourism spots in Laos. Stretching over 2 provinces in southern Laos, Xe Pian covers 2,400sqm (930 sq miles). Its vegetation comprises 80% evergreen and 17% deciduous. Xe Pian also houses many threatened animals such as tigers, gibbons, black bear, bird, crocodiles, etc. There are options of half-day to 3 days or longer trekking in the Xe Pian to explore nature, wildlife, wetland and so on.
Xe Pian is around 30 km ( 18.6 miles) from Champasak. You can travel to Ban Kiet Ngong to enter Xe Pian jungle and its wetland; or access the other side from Attapeu Province.
4. Si Phan Don
Si Phan Don literally means 4,000 islands is a must-to-visit destination in southern Laos to enjoy incredible escapes to Laos nature, culture and wildlife. Si Phan Don, a highlight of Laos wildlife tour package is around 130km (80 miles) in the south of Pakse town. Travelers can arrive in Si Phan Don by flying to Pakse then take a land transfer; or enter via cruise from Stung Treng, Cambodia to Don Det Island. There are 7 hour bus rides from Phnom Penh to Stung Treng for those taking a border crossing trip in Indochina.
There are thousands of Islands scattered over Si Phan Don, half of them become submerged during flood seasons. Main archipelagos for tourists to explore when traveling in Si Phan Don are Don Khong, Don Som, Don Det, Don Khone, Don Phapheng, etc.
Best places of Si Phan Don
Don Det – Don Khon Locomotives
Don Det – Don Khon railway in Si Phan Don was launched in 1893 by the French colonial government for the purpose of supporting waterway shipping. The Mekong River connecting Indochina countries played a significant role in their plans to reach up to China as well as supporting the British colony in Burma. Meanwhile, the Mekong River part in southern Laos was divided into currents with rapids. Therefore the 7km (4.3 miles) railway was their alternative.
You will find the relics of old fashioned locomotives and the railway bridging Don Det and Don Khon which is currently accessible by foot or two-wheel vehicles.
Ban Hang Khon Viewpoint
While embark on southern Laos travel journey in Si Phan Don, find the French ancient port in Ban Hang Village on the Don Khon Island, and walk up around 150 staircases, you will find the viewpoint. Standing from the Ban Hang Khon viewpoint, you can see a fabulous view of the Mekong River.
Irrawaddy Dolphin in Si Phan Don
While exploring the islands in Si Phan Don, you can stop your motor boat and observe these freshwater dolphins. These mammals mainly inhabit the coastal part and river of some south and southeast Asia. You can reach the south of Don Khone Island to see Irrawaddy dolphins. The best time to see these mammals are at the outset of morning and evenings. The ferry’s machine will be off for your sightseeing from afar.
Beside watching the Irrawaddy, you can visit local villages, ride cycling among the bucolic countryside and visit other spots.
Don Khong History Museum
You will find in Don Khon Island the two-floors Colonial house which is the smallest museum in Laos – Don Khong History Museum. Local villagers used to call it “Garden of Eden” which was a private property. It doesn’t take much time for you to tour the lovely building displaying interesting fishing tools and traditional music instruments. Swing by this museum, you will get to know more about the history of Don Khong Island and local lifestyles.
Tat Somphamit
The fantastic Tat Somphamit or Liphi Waterfalls in Don Khon Island is one of the must-do in Si Phan Don. Zipline over Liphi Waterfalls is also available for those who love adventure. There are local fishermen catching fishes over the area as well. This is not an ideal place to swim; however, you can go downriver around 1km (0.6 miles) from Liphi Waterfall for Xai Khong Nyai Beach.
Khon Pa Soi Falls
Khon Pa Soi Falls on Don Pho Soi Island is among highlighted places in Si Phan Don to include in your southern Laos travel plan. It’s a lovely place for a pleasant trek in nature, have the fresh air and enjoy the stunning scenes of the waterfalls and its pool. There is a beach for swimming, local restaurants to get some drinks, and local boats for you to explore the area.
Tham Phu Khiaw
Tham Phu Khiaw is a cave temple nestling in the jungle of Green Mountain in Don Khon Island. Getting to this temple, you shall hike for around 2km (1.25 miles) up to the mountain. It takes only 15 – 20 minutes to enter the cave where there are some Buddha statues and broken pottery. This place is a pilgrimage destination which gets more crowded in June. Carrying on the hike from Tham Phu Khiaw temple, you can reach the viewpoint from the mountain.
Muang Khong Market
An atmospheric spot on Don Khon Island to observe local village life. It’s most vibrant in the morning. You can find different types of produce from their farming or from foraging. Muang Khong Market is truly an authentic place to feel the sense of lifestyle in Si Phan Don.
Khon Phapheng Falls
Idyllic Khon Phapheng Falls is a must-to-see spot in Laos which showcases the stunning nature. Stretching 10,700m (6.7 miles), Khon Phapheng is the widest waterfall in the word, and the largest one in southeast Asia. Located in Don Khon Island in Si Phan Don, Khon Phapheng Falls comprises thousands of islands with plunging falls and roaring currents. The scenes of the cascades appear more stunning during the dry season when the water level goes down and reveal more rapids. Include Khon Phapheng in your southern Laos travel itinerary to have a lovely hike and explore the falls running nearly 10km (6.2 miles). Visiting the place, you will understand what trouble French colonialism had in the past that made them construct the railway in southern Laos.
