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Follow
the river.
Ancient temples, coffee country
and a thousand reasons to take your time.
Before you go further,
slow down here.
Leave time for Don Daeng itself: village paths, rice fields, birds in the trees and evenings beside the Mekong.
Explore on foot or by bicycle, arrange a meal with a local host, and let the season shape the scenery. Sandy riverbanks change with the water level; island life continues around them.
Discover Birds & Nature
Vat Phu
& Champasak.
A landscape where mountain, temple and river belong to the same story.
Vat Phu is part of the UNESCO-listed Champasak cultural landscape. Its Khmer-era stone buildings and hillside setting make it a natural focus for a visit across the river.
Pair the temple with time in Champasak town. Arrange your boat crossing and onward transport with your host, leaving room for walking, a meal and an unhurried return.
Read about the UNESCO siteThe Bolaven
Plateau.
Coffee-growing country, waterfalls and a change of scenery from the Mekong plains.
Build an outing around a few places you want to spend time in. The route and number of stops matter more than trying to fit everything into one day.
Coffee & tea.
Discover the plateau’s growing landscapes and ask about a farm or producer visit. Confirm opening arrangements with your host or guide.
Waterfalls.
Tad Fane and Tad Yuang are among the region’s well-known stops. Agree on the route and allow time to enjoy the viewpoints.
A day, or a longer journey.
Discuss the drive, island transfers and your preferred pace before setting out. An overnight stay can leave more time for the highlands.
A pause
in Pakse.
Pakse is a useful starting point for a journey through Southern Laos, and a place to spend time in its own right.
Explore temples and markets, stop for coffee or a riverside meal, and use the city as a connection between the plateau and the Mekong. Ask your host how best to combine a visit with your arrival or departure.
Getting to Don Daeng
The Mekong opens out.
The 4,000 Islands.
At Si Phan Don, the river spreads into channels and islands, with waterside villages and powerful waterfalls.
Make time for Don Det and Don Khon, river views and a waterfall visit. This is a journey further south, so discuss whether you prefer a longer excursion or an overnight stay before continuing your travels.
A little planning.
Room for discovery.
Tell your host which places interest you and how much time you have. Confirm transport, boat crossings, entry fees and meals before setting out. Travel times depend on your route and conditions.
Stay with a local island host or at La Folie Lodge, and build the rest of your Southern Laos journey around your own pace.