Natural Wonders of Central and Southern Laos

Vientiane - Ban Kong Lor

Vientiane – Kong Lor Caves (290 km): 6 hours

Begin this 6-day tour with a departure from Vientiane around 08:00. Head down Route 13 for approximately 3 hours before reaching Wat Prabath Phansane (‘Temple of the footprint of Buddha’). After the temple visit, continue on towards the Phou Hin Poun NPA (National Protected Area). The scenery will become much more spectacular boasting limestone karsts, forests and rice paddies. From leaving the main road to reaching the destination will take approximately 2 hours.

On arrival in the small town of Ban Kong Lor, check in to the hotel and head out for a day exploring the famous Kong Lor Caves. Before entering the caves, enjoy a picnic lunch brought by the guide from Vientiane.

After lunch, put on the life jackets and headlamps and make for the main entrance to the cave. Upon entering the cave, board a longtail boat which will span the length of this spectacular cavern along an underground section of the Hin Boun River; travel 7.5km with no daylight!

The river flows all year round and reveals vast formations of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which can be seen from the boat and others which can be explored on foot. Upon reaching the other side of the cave, stop for refreshments and take a guided stroll through the local village. Return by boat, travelling ‘downstream’ through the cave, to Ban Kong Lor.

For dinner tonight, we recommend a simple local restaurant called Kounmee, which is a 2 minute walk from Chantha House (dinner not included).

Overnight in Ban Kong Lor

Kong Lor Caves - Thakhek

Ban Kong Lor – Thakhek (190 km): 4 hours

Leave this morning on a guided walk through the surrounding villages. As early mornings in the area are quite active, we recommend taking this walk before breakfast. For those interested in photography, the early morning is also the best time of the day for pictures, as the soft morning light is very photogenic.

After breakfast, take the 4-hour drive to Thakhek, arriving in time for lunch at Inthira Thakhek (not included). Thakhek is a very sleepy town with some attractive colonial buildings.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure to enjoy a swim and take a stroll along the Mekong.

Overnight in Thakhek

Thakhek - Savannakhet - Champasak

Thakhek – Savannakhet (116 km): 1,5 hour Savannakhet – Champasak (145 km): 4,5 hours

After a leisurely breakfast, depart with the guide on the journey to Champasak.

The first stop will be to Savannakhet, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Before entering Savannakhet, visit the beautiful 16th century temple of That Ing Hang, one of the most revered temples in Laos. Continue into Savannakhet city, taking a short tour of the architectural highlights, which include various French villas and the striking St. Teresa Catholic Church.

After the city tour, visit the small but interesting Dinosaur Museum. Dinosaur remains are being found nearby, dating between 150,000,000 – 250,000,000 years old. Speak to the resident paleontologists about their work; proceeds from the visit help to keep this project going.

There is an option to stop in Savannakhet for lunch (not included).

Continue straight on to Champasak, 1 hour further south. Upon arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Champasak.

Overnight in Champasak

Champasak - 4000 Islands - Champasak

Champasak – Don Khone: 2,5 hours

Depart at 08:00 for a full day exploring the area known locally as Siphandon (‘4000 Islands’). In this beautiful area, the Mekong River reaches 14 kilometers wide and is illustrated by thousands of small islands.  

Travel first by car for around 2 hours to the village of Ban Nakasan. From here take a local boat to the peaceful islands of Don Det and Don Khong, where plantations and simple villages are almost all that exist. It is recommended to explore this region either via bicycle or hired tuk tuk.

Continue with a visit to the impressive Lippi falls, which are on the west of Don Khone. Very close to the Cambodian border, the locals revere these falls as they believe they act as a trap for bad spirits.

The islands played an important role during the French Colonial rule as they linked Laos to Cambodia and Southern Vietnam. To overpass the waterfalls, a railway and bridge were built, which today prove to be the best place to soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Afterwards, take off on a short boat trip with a unique opportunity to spot the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Lunch today will be served in a local restaurant.

Return to Champasak this afternoon, arriving back at the hotel in time for sunset.

Overnight in Champasak

Exploring Champasak

Champasak – Wat Phou (8 km): 15 min

After breakfast, transport will be provided to Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits among the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary.

This site served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and is still one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

The rest of the day is free at leisure to enjoy the hotel and beautiful surroundings. The local area is also great for exploring on bikes, which are available at the hotel.

Overnight in Champasak

Champasak - Pakse (departure)

Champasak – Pakse Airport (35 km): 1 hour

After breakfast, enjoy some down time exploring the region before transport (provided) to Pakse Airport (1 hour away) for the departing flight.