Southern Laos - 8 days

Today we have a full day to explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences.

Our visit will take you to the key sites: National Museum, Wat Sisaket the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is  Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interiorl and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees.

In the afternoon a stop at the older part of Morning market is recommended before the visit Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane.

Route: by private Boat & car
Vientiane City : short distance
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Leave Vientiane for a leisurely drive south east to Hinboun in six hour driving, which has many dramatic karst limestone formations - one of Laos’s most picturesque, yet least visited province. Visits along the way will include a 15th century stupa, a hill-tribe market and plenty of photo opportunities! In the late afternoon, arrive in Hinboun where you will be spending the night here, a remote & charming riverside lodge set amongst dramatic limestone scenery.

Route: by private Boat & car
Vientiane - Konglor: 320 km -6 hours’ drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
Accommodations: Hotel in Hin Boun

Depart by boat for an exploration of the incredible Kong Lor Cave - a 7.5km long cavern, up to 100m high, with spectacular stalactite formations and an underground river running from end to end.
Travel by long tail boat using lamps for sight. Once you arrive at the other side, take a short trek to a nearby village where you can have your lunch on the river bank and enjoy a swim. This area is home to a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys and several large cats including Clouded Leopard, Civet Cat and Tiger. Local Fauna includes many different types of Ferns, rare Orchids, Cycads and a variety of Epiphytes.

In the later this afternoon,  taking a brief land transfer of 1 hour to Thakaek - capital city of the Khammouane province which is located in South-Central Laos, halfway between Vientiane and the Champasak province. Formerly an important administrative and trading platform under French occupation, the city of Thakhek still boasts the remains of former colonial houses and wide avenues typical of this era, which make it its main attraction. In addition to this, its geographic location makes it a necessary stopover for travellers wishing to discover the central southern region of Laos by land.

Route: by private Boat & car
Boat konglor: 3 hours
Konglor - Thakkek: 60 km -1hours drive
Meals: Breakfast
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
Accommodations: Hotel in Thakhek

Visit of the local market Talat Lak Sawng , also called the market Km 2. Then we take the National Road 13 to Savannakhet. Shortly before arriving, stop at the site of That Ing Hang, the second holiest place in southern Laos after Wat Phou . This ancient stupa with an umbrella of gold fixed on the top contains a relic of the Buddha and was restored in the 16th and 20th century by the French.  Upon arrival in Savannakhet , visit the small but interesting Museum Dinosaur (closed Saturdays and Sundays ), managed in collaboration with France .
Lunch at a local restaurant. Then continue driving on the road to Pakse and arrive late in the afternoon.

Route: by private car
Thakkek - Pakse: 330 km -6hours drive
Meals: Breakfast
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
Accommodations: Hotel in Pakse

This morning, leave Pakse for 4000 islands. On the way, stop to visit Vat Phou Temple. Recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Wat Phou is a stunning pre-angkorian temple built upon three levels.
You have some time to explore Ou Mong Ruins before drive to Khone Papheng - one of the most significant attractions of the 4000 islands. This 10 kilometer waterfall becomes the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and considered the jewel of Laos.

Heading to the biggest island of Si Phan Done area - Don Khong. Enjoy the stunning views of water while relaxing at the pool of the hotel. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Route: by private car
Pakse - Khong Island: 140 km -4hours drive
Meals: Breakfast
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
Accommodation: Hotel in Khong Island

Today is devoted to explore the Don Det and Don Khone, two smaller islands which are considered the heaven of backpacker. Enjoy a boat trip along Mekong river, on the way you can see children of Mekong playing under water or the fishermen in their daily lives.

Take a bike to visit these two islands, which are linked by a bridge. Visit Ban Khone fishing village - where you could explore the ruins of French railway tracks and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the islands and take awesome photos of the local life and natural beauty.

In the afternoon, we embark the motor boat again to visit Cambodian border where the famous Irrawaddy dolphins live. If you are lucky, you can see them playing and swim on the river.
Then return to Pakse for leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Route: by private car and boat
Khong Island - Hotel in Pakse: 130 km - 2.5 - 3 hour drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse

Breakfast at the hotel and then free to relax and afternoon today you will be transferred to Pakse airport for your departure Flight.

Route: by private car
Hotel - Pakse Airport: 6 km - 15 minute drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: No guide, only driver
Accommodation: N/A