southern laos

For many, a journey through Laos includes a stop at the two main towns of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but those that are willing to explore further south will be rewarded with rugged natural landscapes and one of the most unspoilt areas to be found in modern Asia.

The quiet and unassuming town of Pakse is the south's biggest city and is the main hub for exploring the southern region. Head north to visit the flat plains of the remote Bolovens Plateau, home to lovely waterfalls, ethnic minority hilltribes and coffee plantations. Head deeper into Southern Laos on a 3 day cruise on the Mekong, drift past misty green mountains to the riverside town of Champasak to explore Vat Phou, one of the most evocative Khmer ruins outside of Cambodia. Discover the beautiful Four Thousand Islands region, where the Mekong river has formed several small islets and islands. Explore picturesque waterfalls, see crumbling colonial architectures and take a boat ride to look for the rare Irrawaddy river dolphins.