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Exploring Southern Laos

8 days from £4,730 for 2025 per person

Little villages, areas of outstanding natural beauty, historic temples and stupas and the occasional reminder of French colonial history are scattered through southern Laos. This itinerary starts in the capital of Vientiane where the colonial influence is evident in the best boutique hotels, and the temples of Wat Si Saket and Ho Phra Keo are well worth exploring. Enjoy a Laotian barbeque in a tranquil spot away from the crowd this evening.

The itinerary follows a leisurely meandering route southwards, with stays at three different rustic riverside properties, each with something unique to recommend it. At the Spring River Resort deep in the natural forest and lime karst scenery of a national park near Hin Boun, explore Kong Lor cave - one of the world's largest, in what is considered the caving capital of the world.

Explore little villages en route to Thakhek, capital of Khammouanne province with a French colonial feel and some great little restaurants along the Mekong riverfront with sunset views.

Continue on south to Tad Lo, a charming and unspoilt little cluster of guesthouses, little restaurants and bike rental shops around an impressive waterfall on the Bolaven plateau. bathe in pools below the waterfall, or simply enjoy the view and watch Tad Lo Lodge's two elephants being bathed each evening. Off-road biking trails here are great for the more intrepid.

Complete the week at a river resort in Champasak, otherwise known as 4,000 islands - a charming unspoilt array of little islands, villages, waterfalls and slowly crumbling French colonial buildings. Wat Po temple complex here is the most impressive in the region, well worth the climb up steep steps to the temple itself which is built into the rockface. After a relaxing sojourn here, fly on to you next South East Asian destination or fly home from Pakse via Bangkok.

This is purely a suggested itinerary so it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our other Laos itineraries.

Itinerary details

8 days from £4,730 for 2025 per person

Day 1 - Settha Palace - Vientiane
Arrive into Vientiane, tour the city and enjoy a Laotian barbecue dinner.
Day 2 - Springriver Resort - Hin Boun
Be driven through Khammoune province via villages, markets and historic stupas to Hin Boun.
Day 3 -
Explore Kong Lor cave by boat and enjoy a picnic lunch before being driven on to Thakhek.
Day 4 -
Visit Tham Pa Pha cave of Buddha statues, and the French colonial town of Savannakhet en route to Tad Lo waterfall area.
Day 5 - The River Resort - Pakse
Guided tour of ethnic minority villages and plantations en route to Champasak (4,000 Islands).
Day 6 - The River Resort - Pakse
4,000 Islands and waterfalls guided tour.
Day 7 - The River Resort - Pakse
Visit Wat Phou temple complex, Don Daeng island and enjoy sundowner drinks & canapes on Turtle island in the Mekong River.
Day 8 - In transit.
Fly home.

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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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Exploring Southern Laos

8 days from £4,730 for 2025 per person

Itinerary details

8 days from £4,730 for 2025 per person

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Client Testimonials

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