The Tranquil South

Combining Adventure and Nature
Highlights: Vientiane, Hinboun, Excursion to Kong Lor Cave, Thakhek, Pakse, Ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu, Four Thousand Islands

Trip duration: 8 days/7 nights
Level: Moderate
Group-size: Private only - starting from 1 person and above

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1 Arrive Vientiane
Day 2 Vientian - Hinboun
Day 3 Excursion to Kong Lor Cave
Day 4 By boat to Thakhek
Day 5 By road to Pakse
Day 6 Visit the Ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu
Day 7 Visit the Four Thousand Islands
Day 8 Depart Pakse

Trip price please enquire for the most up date price

Trip Price Included

Transportation in private air-conditioned
Accommodation in twin shared
Boat trip as stated in above sights
English speaking guide (Other languages upon request)
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals as mention in the itinerary: (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)
Domestic tax and service charge
Luggage handling

Trip Price Excluded

Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax
International airport departure tax US$10.00/pax
International air tickets to/from Laos
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Single supplement  (quoted separately)
Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not stated
Domestic air ticket with airport tax

DETAILS ITINERARY:

Day 1 Arrive Vientiane
Upon arrival at the international airport we will be welcome and transfer to our centrally located hotel in Vientiane. In the afternoon we will take a city sightseeing tour to explore some of the more interesting places like the Victory Gate, Wat Sisaket and the impressive That Luang stupa – one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage. In the evening we 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.
Today Breakfast included

Day 2 Vientian - Hinboun
Day 2 heralds a change of scene from city to country life. We 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 us with a pleasant serenade.
Today Breakfast included

Day 3 Excursion to Kong Lor Cave
After breakfast we take a local boat on an excursion to Kong Lor Cave. Marvel at the towering sheer limestone cliffs all along the riverbanks. 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 that appear in the late afternoon. Explore the surrounding villages on foot and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of rural life in Hinboun.
Today Breakfast included

Day 4 By boat to Thakhek
After breakfast a private local slow boat will take us from Sala Hinboun to Ban NaPouak with a stop on the way to visit a local village. We then head for the town of ThaKhek by car, with a detour to see Pra Pafha Cave set in beautiful natural surroundings. Overnight in ThaKhek.
Today Breakfast included

Day 5  By road to Pakse
 After breakfast, we will take a stroll around the city before the seven-hour car journey to Pakse. On the way we can break our journey with a visit to a local village. (Lunch will be provided.) Tonight we will stay at the Tad Fan Waterfall Resort.
Today Breakfast included

Day 6 Visit the Ancient Khmer Temple of Wat Phu
After breakfast we will walk from the resort to the nearby waterfall of Tad Yeung. On the way we 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. Today Breakfast included

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.
Today Breakfast included

Day 8 Depart Pakse
Free until transfer to the airport or the border.
Today Breakfast included