Depart from Pakse for a two-hour drive to the spectacular roaring falls of Khone Phapheng near the Cambodian border. Khone Phapheng are the highest falls and probably the most impressive waterfalls of the country. The community has installed a wooden hut from where the view is beautiful. After visiting the falls, continue to the fishing village of Xieng Di for lunch at local restaurant and to board a long tail boat for a visit to Khone Island. 

Don Det and Don Khone are two very laidback island, just on the border with Strung Treng Province in Cambodia. Done Det and Done Khone are the site of the only railway ever built in Laos at the end of the 19th century. To overpass the falls, the French built a railway and a bridge which give a unique atmosphere to the place. The perfect place to take and appreciate your time!

After enjoying your tour of these islands, take another long tail boat to the Khong Island village of Ban Veuthong to board the elegant boat for the start of your cruise. Set off upriver in a section of Lao known as Si Phan Don, or 4000 Islands. This is a breathtaking place with a unique atmosphere, just at the border with Cambodia. Here, the Mekong stretches over 14km wide and has thousands of islands between those the river flows and runs between cascades and rapids. Enjoy the views and a sumptuous dinner as you cruise these mesmerizing waters.

Overnight on board

Pakse – Khone Phapheng (130 km): 1,5 hour

Khone Phapheng – Khong Island by boat (25 km): 2 hours

Awake in the morning to enjoy breakfast on board as the boat sails to Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditional Lao Village. Continue to sail north, past the island of Don Xai and into the myriad of islands of all shapes and sizes common to this section of the Mekong.

Savor a fabulous lunch as you cruise onwards to the island of Don Daeng. Disembark to visit the village of Houay Tomo and the mysterious Oum Muang forest temple, just a few minutes’ walk way. Oum Muang is a good example of the Pre-Angkorian temple style and a perfect introduction in to the rich history of Southern Laos.

After exploring the Oum Muang area, reboard the boat and watch the sun set over the tranquil river before feasting on a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board

4000 islands – Houay Tomo by boat (80 km): 4 hours

This last day of cruising takes you north to Ban Wat Luang Kao, where you will join a guided tour by bus to the 10thcentury pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Phou.

Recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Wat Phou is a stunning pre-angkorian temple built upon three levels. When the temple was erected, it was the most important economic and political centre in the region and today it remains an important religious site for the Lao people. Tour the lower level, focused on the baray (water reservoir), continue along the promenade to join the second level with its galleries and quadrangular pavilions and onwards to the upper level, the sanctuary itself.

Lunch is then served on board before you transfer to the mainland at Champasak.

Stop in Champasak to see samples of French colonial architecture and then transfer to Pakse, with arrival late this afternoon (16:00).

Wat Phou – Champasak (8 km): 15 min

Champasak – Pakse (30 km): 1 hour