You will be met in the morning upon arrival at Pakse International Airport and transferred to Don Daeng and check in at the resort.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Estimated driving time/distance:
30 – 45 minutes/40 km
Meal included:
Dinner at the hotel
Morning
Today you will visit a stunning pre-Angkorian temple. Pick up is at your hotel at 8:30 hours and then we drive to visit Vat Phou Salao in Pakse district. The temple is located on the slopes of Salao Hill and has a giant statue of a golden Buddha. Drive to Champasak to visit pre-Angkorian Vat Phu Temple. Wat Phu, a World Heritage Site, means ‘mountain temple’. The temples in this complex are dated between the 6th and 13th century. Wat Phu lies on a hillside and offers spectacular views over the surrounding plains and the Mekong River. Hindu Khmer probably chose the site because of the spring that flows from near the top of the hill. Historians say that Phu Pasak was in fact, sacred to the pre-Angkorian Kingdom of Chenla (6th century) and may have been the site of human sacrifices. The temple is divided into two parts. The lower part consists of two ruined palace buildings at the edge of a pond, which was used for ritual ablutions. The upper section, the temple sanctuary itself, once enclosed a large Shiva phallus (linga). It was later converted into a Buddhist temple, but much of the original Hindu sculpture remains. The lintels feature various forms of Vishnu and Shiva as well as Kala, the Hindu god of time and death. The naga stairway is lined with plumeria (Dokchampa), the Lao national flower.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon
After lunch, drive to visit another Angkorian temple, Oum Moung and then continue by car to Khong Island. On arrival at Khong Island check in at the hotel.
Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Estimated driving time/distance:
3 hours/150 km
Meal included:
Lunch at a local restaurant
Dinner at the hotel
Morning
Breakfast this morning is at the hotel as you get ready for a day of cruising and enjoying spectacular waterfalls.
After breakfast, board your boat and cruise along the backwaters to explore Siphandone (4 000 Islands). During the rainy season, the Mekong River reaches a breadth of 14km, the river’s widest reach along its 4,350km journey from the Tibetan Plateau towards the South China Sea; when the river recedes, it leaves behind thousands of islands and islets. Take time to admire the surrounding islands of Don Det and Don Som and see a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen. Your boat will stop at Don Khong Island and you can see the old steam-locomotive, the last remaining sign of the railway built by the French in 1897 in order to bypass the powerful rapids when transporting goods from Cambodia.
Take local transportation to visit the Sumphamith waterfall. Its other name ‘Li Phi’, means ‘Spirit Trap’. The locals believe that bad spirits are trapped at the falls and get washed downstream. Then return to Ban Khone for lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take another boat trip for a chance to see the fresh water Irrawaddy Dolphins (this part of the trip is only possible from October to May). Return by boat to Don Khong.
Dinner at the accommodation
Meal included:
Lunch at a local restaurant
Dinner at the accommodation
Morning
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today leave by car to visit the magnificent Khone Phapheng waterfall, the largest cascade along the Mekong River. A fault line caused the cascade, which is 6km wide at this point, and the astonishing force of the water has cut dramatic gorges through the brittle bedrock.
Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Continue by car to Ban Muang pier, then take a small boat to cross Mekong river to Don Daeng.
Dinner at accommodation.
Estimated driving time/distance:
3.5 hours/170 km
Meal included:
Lunch at a local restaurant
Dinner at the accommodation
Full day at leisure to enjoy don Daeng island
Spend a day on Don Daeng Island – there are opportunities to go fishing, or to cycle or walk around the island.
OR
Optional Full day Highlights of the Bolaven Plateau
Guest pick up at your hotel to discover the highlights of the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its agricultural products and coffee and tea plantations. The plateau has a number of tribal villages, some of which still practice their ancient culture. Villagers can often be seen using primitive tools and conducting spiritual ceremonies. The first stop on your tour is the Phaseum Resort. Here, visit the Tribal Villages Museum to learn about the languages, architecture and life of the tribes from Southern Laos. Then, continue to an eco-friendly resort at Tadlo on the northern edge of the plateau and near the Xeset waterfall. After lunch, continue to the Alack and Nge tribal villages. Before arriving back at Pakse, stop at Paksong, see the impressive Tad Fane waterfalls, and visit a tea and coffee plantation. Return to your hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Meal included:
Lunch at a local restaurant
Dinner at the hotel
Morning
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a small boat again to Ban Muang Pier and then transfer by car to Pakse International Airport for the flight departure to your next destination.
Estimated driving time/distance:
30 – 45 minutes/40 km
Add a Go Local Experience: Take part in an organized fishing trip with local people on Don Daeng Island. Discover the different Mekong fish species and/or new fishing techniques to try.
Add a special moment: wake up early to observe the sunrise on the east side of Don Daeng Island.
Extend your holiday for a deeper exploration of the fascinating 4 000 Islands region.
Flight tickets.
Visa approval and fees for Laos.
Other drinks and meals not mentioned in package.
Other personal expenses.
