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Belgo Tells About His 7 Days Itinerary In Southern Laos

Day 1: Arrival in Pakse – Visit Champasak

Our 7 days trip to Southern Laos, specially organized for our family, began with an early morning arrival at Pakse International Airport.

As soon as we stepped out, we were warmly welcomed by a professional local guide sent by Autour Asia, a trusted Laos travel agency. This first impression immediately reassured us — everything was perfectly arranged, the air-conditioned vehicle was ready, and the guide’s hospitality promised an unforgettable family journey.

We then set off toward Champasak, a charming little town on the banks of the Mekong, about 1.5 hours away by road. Along the way, we admired the quintessential landscapes of southern Laos: endless rice paddies, misty mountains, and vibrant rural life — a true change of scenery for the whole family.

We arrived in Champasak late in the morning and were welcomed at a charming riverside hotel, ideally located on the banks of the Mekong: The River Resort. The peaceful setting, well-kept gardens, and stunning river views made it a perfect start to our 7 days trip to Southern Laos, blending comfort and authenticity.

In the afternoon, we rested, soaked in the serene Lao atmosphere, and took our first walk around the area. We strolled through quiet streets, observed traditional wooden houses, and shared a few smiles with the locals.

In the evening, we dined at a small local restaurant recommended by our guide, where we enjoyed a delicious chicken laap served with sticky rice and a cold Beer Lao. We spent the night at The River Resort in Champasak, with a magnificent view of the Mekong.

Day 2: Champasak – Wat Phou – Bolaven Plateau – Tad Lo

The second day of our 7 days trip to Southern Laos was dedicated to exploring the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Early in the morning, we set off for the historic site of Wat Phou, a pre-Angkorian temple complex recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the slopes of a hill, it offers stunning views over the surrounding plains. The mystical atmosphere and vine-covered ruins transported us back in time centuries.

After this memorable visit, we headed to the Bolaven Plateau. Known for its coffee plantations and spectacular waterfalls, this highland region, with its cooler climate, stands in stark contrast to the lowland Mekong areas. On the way, we stopped at the Tad Fan and Tad Yuang waterfalls — both breathtaking natural wonders. In the afternoon, we visited a small local coffee farm, where we sampled a robusta brew with a strong, earthy flavor.

By evening, we arrived at Tad Lo Lodge, a comfortable eco-retreat nestled in the heart of nature. Here, we enjoyed a moment of pure tranquility and reflected on this enriching stage of our travel to Southern Laos in 7 days, full of raw nature and rural tradition.

Day 3: Tad Lo – Ethnic Villages in Southern Laos – Khong Island

The third day of our 7 days trip to Southern Laos offered us a true cultural and human immersion. After breakfast on the terrace of our lodge, we visited several nearby ethnic villages. We met with members of the Alak, Katu, and Ta Oy communities, each preserving fascinating ancestral customs such as stilt houses, ritual objects, and intricate handmade crafts.

We were warmly welcomed, with curious children and elders eager to share their stories. A highlight was speaking with a local weaver, who explained her age-old techniques in detail.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Khong Island, the largest in the 4,000 Islands archipelago. We crossed the Mekong River aboard a small local boat. Upon arrival, we were instantly charmed by the island’s slow and peaceful rhythm.

In the evening, we stayed at the Pon Arena Hotel, a delightful waterfront accommodation with bungalows overlooking the river. We watched a stunning sunset over the Mekong from the restaurant’s terrace — an unforgettable moment of our travel to Southern Laos in 7 days.

Day 4: Khong Island – Cruise through the 4,000 Islands – Don Khone

This day was a true ode to slow travel and natural beauty. After breakfast overlooking the river, we boarded a relaxing cruise through the 4,000 Islands archipelago. The boat glided gently between the islets, carried by the steady flow of the Mekong River.

We stopped at Don Det and Don Khone. On Don Khone, we explored the Li Phi waterfalls — impressive in both strength and scale. We also saw the remains of the colonial-era railway, a testament to an ambitious French-era infrastructure project.

The atmosphere was serene, and we enjoyed cycling along the island’s red dirt trails. This peaceful moment, with the river's rhythm and warm sunshine, remains one of the sweetest memories of our 7 days trip to Southern Laos.

In the evening, we stayed at Sala Done Khone, a charming traditional guesthouse with river views and a truly authentic atmosphere — the perfect way to end a tranquil day.

Day 5: Don Khone – Khone Phapheng Falls – Pakse

The fifth day of our travel to Southern Laos in 7 days brought us face-to-face with the mighty Khone Phapheng Falls, the most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. After a short boat ride and road transfer, we arrived at this spectacular site. The thunderous roar of the water, the mist in the air, and the raw force of nature left a deep impression. We spent time marveling at the view, taking photos, and enjoying the refreshing spray.

Then, we drove back to Pakse and checked in at the Champasak Grand Hotel, a comfortable accommodation conveniently located near the Japanese bridge and city center.

After a short rest, we wandered along the Mekong riverbanks before enjoying dinner at a modern local restaurant, where we tried a Lao-style twist on classic pho.

That night, we relaxed again at the Champasak Grand Hotel — a perfect balance between powerful nature and urban comfort on our 7 days trip to Southern Laos.

Day 6: Pakse – Local Market

This slower-paced day allowed us to reconnect with the town of Pakse. In the morning, we visited the Dao Heuang Market — a buzzing hub of local life. We picked up Bolaven coffee, tea, and spices. The colorful stalls, lively bargaining, and spicy aromas made for a full sensory experience.

The afternoon was free. We relaxed by the pool at the Champasak Grand Hotel, revisited our travel journal, and began packing. In the evening, our guide organized a farewell dinner at Le Panorama restaurant, located on the hotel rooftop. It was the perfect way to end our stay, with a view over the illuminated city from above.

We spent our last night in Pakse at the Champasak Grand Hotel, comfortably settled and full of beautiful memories from our travel to Southern Laos in 7 days.

Day 7: Pakse – Departure – End of 7 Days in Southern Laos

Our final morning in Laos. After a light breakfast at the hotel, we packed our bags with heavy hearts. The transfer to Pakse airport was quiet, as we took in our final glimpses of this peaceful southern city.

We reflected on everything we experienced this past week: the smiles of children in ethnic villages, mist hovering over the waterfalls, sunsets over the Mekong.

This 7 days trip to Southern Laos gave us more than stunning landscapes — it reconnected us to what truly matters: slowness, nature, authenticity. The seamless planning by our Laos tour agency played a major role in the success of this journey. Everything was smooth and thoughtfully organized, yet each day brought its share of surprises and emotion.