Adventure & Tranquil Southern Of Laos

Your adventure begins in the capital city of this entrancing country which for so long was hidden away from the rest of the world. Laos is a country of contrasts and this tour is especially designed to give you a glimpse of both urban and rural life. Visit the impressive temples in Vientiane then escape to the magnificent unspoilt natural scenery of Khammouane with the chance to see some of the rare wildlife. End your tour with a visit to the ancient ruins of the Khmer temple of Wat Phu.
  
Tour duration: 8 days 7 nights
Tour start from: Vientiane
Ends in: Paske 
Tour grade: fit and adventure
Tour style: Private only
Commencement date: advice upon request
Group size: from 2 people to above
Highlights: Vientiane – Hinboun – Kong Lor Cave – Thakhek – Paske - ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu – Paddy of jars

Itinerary In Brief
Day 1: Vientiane arrival day sightseeing around city
Day 2: Vientiane – Hinboun
Day 3: Hinboun – Kong Lor cave – Hinboun
Day 4: Hinboun – Thakhek
Day 5: Thakhek – Pakse
Day 6: Visit the ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu
Day 7: Visit the Four Thousand Islands
Day 8: Depart Pakse

Tour price: Please enquire for availabilities & the most up date price

Tour Price Included
English speaking local guide
Private transfer and transportation with air-conditioning round trip
Boat trip on river in day 3, day 4
Accommodation based on twin share with daily breakfast
Meals as specified in the program (B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner)
(7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner)
Entrance fees during the guide time

Tour Price excluded
International airfare
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Airport taxes
Visa & visa fees
Meals not indicated
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Itinerary In Detail
Day 1: Vientiane arrival day
We will meet you on your arrival either at the international airport or if you are traveling by land at the Friendship Bridge and take you to your centrally located hotel in Vientiane, a friendly sleepy town resting on the shores of the mighty Mekong River.
In the afternoon we will take you on a city sightseeing tour to explore some of the more interesting places like the Victory Gate – Vientiane’s answer to the Parisian Arc de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket and the impressive That Luang stupa – one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage.
In the evening you are free to stroll along the banks of the Mekong River and stop in one of the many small Lao style restaurants for a beer and a snack.( D)
   
Day 2: Vientiane -  Hinboun (on road)
Start changing of scene from city to country life. You will travel by road to the valley of the Nam Hinboun River in Khammouane province. Khammouane is famous for its magnificent jagged limestone mountains, the exciting caves, underground rivers and traditional villages.
In the evening the ringing song of cicadas will provide you with a pleasant serenade. (B, L)
   
 Day 3: Excursion to Kong Lor Cave
After breakfast we will take you by a local boat on an excursion to Kong Lor Cave. Marvel at the towering sheer limestone cliffs all along the river banks. Every twist and turn in the river during your boat ride brings amazing fresh new vistas. Kong Lor Cave is a tunnel of limestone, over 8 km long, through which the Nam Hinboun River flows.
This is the only mountain cave in South East Asia that runs under a river. The Cave is home to many rare birds, spiders and bats which appear in the late afternoon. Explore the surrounding villages on foot and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of rural life in Hinboun. (B, L)
   
Day 4: Hinboun -  Thakhek by boat ride
After breakfast a private local slow boat will take you from Sala Hinboun to Ban NaPouak with a stop on the way to visit a local village. You then head for the town of ThaKhek by car, with a detour to see Pra Pafha Cave set in beautiful natural surroundings. You will overnight in ThaKhek. (B, L)
 
Day 5: By road to Pakse
After breakfast, take a stroll around the city before the seven hour car journey to Pakse. On the way you can break your journey with a visit to a local village. (Lunch will be provided.) You will stay at the Tad Fan Waterfall Resort. (B)
  
Day 6: Visit the ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu
After breakfast you will walk from the resort to the nearby waterfall of Tad Yeung and on the way take a look at the coffee plantations. Then drive back to Pakse. Here we will take a slow boat to visit the sacred Khmer temple of Wat Phu. This was the easternmost border of the Khmer Empire in the 4th century.
Later in the afternoon we take a scenic drive to Don Khone Island and overnight in the Sala Don Khone. (B,L)
     
Day 7: Visit the Four Thousand Islands
After breakfast we drive from the Sala Don Khone to NaKaSang, where first we take a private local slow boat to see the endangered Irrawady dolphins, then back to NaKaSang and a drive to view the four thousand islands.
After lunch it’s back to Pakse for an overnight stay in. (B)
    
Day 8: Depart Pakse
Free until transfer to the airport or the border...(B)

Please note:
Visa: Customers will need two passport size photographs and US$30 at Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane; and Luang Prabang Airport.Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Laos TOURIST visa is usually issued for a SINGLE entry within three months from the date of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.Passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and one blank visa page in order for the visa to be issued. TDS can assist with expediting U.S. Passports whether new issue, renewal, and adding visa pages. (B)