Tour Code: CLS

Day 1: Visit Wat Phu, Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands)

This morning our guide will escort you from Pakse by bus to the quiet town of Champassak, which up until relatively recently was a seat of royalty.  The purpose of our visit however, is to visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phu.  This ancient Khmer temple set on a sacred mountain is the most significant and beautiful archeological site in Laos - the layout of the site being unique in Khmer architecture.  After spending some time exploring and soaking up the mystical atmosphere of this ruined temple, we continue our journey South to discover the seldom-visited Khmer ruin of Uo Moung (Tomo Temple) a small temple hidden in the jungle.  We then follow the course of the Mekong down to the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands).  During the rainy season the river widens to up to 14km which then subsides to reveal thousands of islands.  Many of the larger islands are inhabited; we stay at one of the largest; Khong island.  On arrival we check into our comfortable riverside guest house with plenty of time to enjoy the sunset view.  Included meals:

Day 2:  Si Phan Don

Today we explore some of the other islands and soak up the incredibly relaxed and laid-back pace of life.  We take a tour by boat through some meandering waterways to the island of Don Khon.  Here we take a stroll through this peaceful island admiring rural village life, coconut and kapok plantations and the remains of some one hundred year old colonial architecture.  Following lunch we return to our boats and head towards the Cambodian border to see the extremely rare and critically endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin.  Despite the Mekong population estimated at less than 70, sightings are very common here especially in the dry season when the deep waters act as a refuge during low river levels. We then continue by boat and then bus to the spectacular Khon Phapeng Waterfalls, the largest and most powerfull falls of the 4350km long Mekong river, before returning to our guest house late afternoon.  Included meals: B

Day 3:  Kiet Ngong Elephant Ride – Bolaven Plateau

After crossing the Mekong we continue our journey by bus and head towards the cool and fertile coffee growing area of the Bolaven plateau some 1200metres above sea level.  Along the way we stop at the Kiet Ngong wetland area and take an Elephant ride up to the ruined fortress of Phu Asa – a collection of stone columns reminiscent of Stonehenge that have left archeologists baffled.  After some interesting stops at a blacksmith and weaving village we finally arrive at the beautiful resort of Tad Lo with some time to relax in the lush gardens here next to the waterfall.  Included meals: B

Day 4:   Tad Lo, Transfer to Pakse

This morning is left free for us to relax in the beautiful gardens, or we can take a stroll along the river to see some other waterfalls and a nearby village.  In the afternoon we transfer to Pakse for onward travel to Central/North Laos or Thailand/Cambodia.  Included meals: B

From $475 based on 2 people sharing, discounts if combining with one or more of our Central and North itineraries, discounts for larger groups.

Our quoted prices are based on a shared twin room basis in comfortable well-located accommodation. Some 4star and star options are available at your request at Pakse. We are delighted to offer single room supplements on this tour.

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