SOUTHERN LAOS
This region is the heart of the mighty Mekong River’s influence in Laos, featuring incredible cascades, the fertile coffee-growing Bolaven Plateau, and the awe-inspiring ruins of an ancient Khmer civilization. Discover the serene pace of island life and the rich biodiversity of Laos’s southern provinces.
Why Visit Southern Laos?
Mekong River Wonders: Explore Si Phan Don, the “Four Thousand Islands,” for a unique, laid-back riverine island experience.
Spectacular Waterfalls: Discover the massive Khone Phapheng Falls (Southeast Asia’s largest by volume) and the cascades of the Bolaven Plateau.
Ancient Khmer History: Wander through the atmospheric, UNESCO-listed ruins of Wat Phou, a millennium-old pre-Angkorian temple complex.
Smart Travel
Cool Dry Season (November–February): This is the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, roads are in good condition, and the weather is perfect for exploring the islands and plateaus.
Hot Dry Season (March–May): Temperatures can be extremely hot, especially in the Mekong lowlands (up to 35ºC, 95ºF, or more). Visit the higher-altitude Bolaven Plateau for slightly cooler weather.
Wet Season (June–October): The landscape is lush, and the waterfalls are at their most powerful. However, heavy rains can make roads difficult, and travel to some river islands may be affected.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
This archipelago is a laid-back, beautiful stretch of the Mekong near the Cambodian border. Don Det and Don Khon are the most popular islands for travellers, known for hammock-swinging, cycling through rice fields, and viewing the Li Phi Waterfall and Irrawaddy dolphins.
Your Smart Tip: The best way to travel between the islands is by boat. For a truly peaceful experience, rent a simple bicycle on Don Khon and spend the day exploring the rice paddies and old French colonial relics.
Bolaven Plateau
This elevated, fertile region is known for its cool climate, ethnic minority villages, and is the center of Laos’s famous coffee production. You can find stunning waterfalls like the towering Tad Fane and the multi-tiered Tad Lo, often explored via a multi-day motorbike loop.
Your Smart Tip: If you are comfortable riding, rent a motorbike in Pakse to do the “Bolaven Loop.” Stop at a coffee plantation to sample high-quality Robusta and Arabica directly from the source.
Champasak & Wat Phou
The quiet riverside town of Champasak is your gateway to Wat Phou, a stunning ruined Khmer temple complex predating Angkor Wat. The site is spread out on the lower slopes of a mountain, offering panoramic views. The town itself retains a charming, sleepy atmosphere with French colonial architecture.
Your Smart Tip: Visit Wat Phou early in the morning, before the heat sets in and the main tour groups arrive. Hire a local guide at the entrance to fully appreciate the complex’s historical and religious significance.
Pakse (The Hub)
The capital of Champasak province, Pakse is Southern Laos’s main travel and commercial hub, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Xe Don rivers. It’s the starting point for exploring the Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou, and Si Phan Don, and has the region’s main airport.
Your Smart Tip: For a great sunset view and local immersion, walk across the Japanese Bridge over the Xe Don River and explore the bustling Pakse Market for local food and handicrafts.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate. Southern Laos, particularly the lowlands, is generally hotter than the north.
Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Average highs around 30ºC (86ºF) 20ºC (68ºC). The best weather.
Hot Season (Mar-May): Average highs can exceed 35ºC (95ºF). Very humid.
Wet Season (Jun-Oct): Average highs around 29ºC (84ºF). Rain is heavy, especially on the Bolaven Plateau.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Respecting Monks: Always show respect to Buddhist monks, giving way to them and ensuring women do not touch them.
The Head and Feet: Do not touch a person’s head (the most sacred part) and never point your feet (the least sacred part) at a person or an image of Buddha.
Dress Code: When visiting temples, dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($5–$15), mid-range guesthouses/hotels ($15–$50), luxury ($50+).
Food: Street food ($1–$3), local restaurants ($3–$7), Western/upscale dining ($10–$25).
Transport: Inter-city bus/minivan ($8–$25 depending on distance), daily motorbike rental ($5–$15), short tuk-tuk ride ($1–$3).
Activities: Waterfall/temple entrance fees ($2–$5), boat to Si Phan Don islands ($1–$5), cooking class ($20–$40).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $20–$35 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $50–$90 (private guesthouses, restaurants, local tours).
- Luxury: $120+ (boutique hotels, private drivers, fine dining).
Getting Around
By Bus/Minivan: The most common and affordable way to travel between major towns like Pakse, Thakhek, and the ferry terminal for Si Phan Don (Nakasang).
By Motorbike: Highly recommended for exploring the Bolaven Plateau Loop and the Thakhek Loop to the north, offering freedom and incredible scenery.
By Boat: Essential for traveling between the islands of Si Phan Don (Don Det, Don Khon, Don Khong).
By Air: Domestic flights from Vientiane or Luang Prabang to Pakse can save significant time.
Must-Try Food
Khao Niaw (Sticky Rice): The national staple, traditionally eaten by hand with almost every meal.
Laap (Larb): (lahp) Widely considered the national dish; a spicy minced meat salad (chicken, beef, duck, or fish) mixed with herbs and toasted rice powder.
Tam Mak Hoong (Lao Papaya Salad): Very spicy version of green papaya salad, typically using fermented fish sauce (Pa Daek) for an intense, pungent flavour.
Sai Oua (Lao Sausage): A delicious grilled pork sausage mixed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilli.
Mok Pa: Steamed fish, seasoned with herbs (dill, lemongrass) and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf packet.
Khao Piak Sen: A comforting, thick rice noodle soup in a pork or chicken broth, similar to Vietnamese pho.
Jaew Bong: (jeh-oh bawng) A sweet and spicy chilli paste/dip, often made with dried buffalo skin and served with sticky rice. A specialty of the south.
Baguette Paté (Khao Jii Paté): A French-influenced sandwich with pâté, cold cuts, and fresh vegetables, sold by street vendors.
Khao Nom Khok: Coconut pancakes, a sweet street snack made from rice flour and coconut cream, grilled in a small clay pan.
Nam Khao Tod: A crunchy rice salad made from deep-fried rice balls, soured pork sausage, peanuts, and grated coconut.
Must-Try Drinks
Beerlao: (beer-lah-ow) The ubiquitous and popular national beer, served chilled, often with a glass of ice, throughout the country.
Lao Coffee: Especially from the Bolaven Plateau (Arabica and Robusta), enjoyed strong, black, or with sweetened condensed milk.
Lao-Lao (Rice Whiskey): A potent, traditional distilled spirit made from rice, often consumed neat in small glasses. Look for flavored or infused versions.
Fresh Fruit Shakes: Widely available, with mango, banana, and passion fruit being popular choices, often mixed with crushed ice.
Nam Oy: Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, a sweet and refreshing drink often prepared right in front of you by street vendors.
Sabai Dee: The Lao phrase for “hello” or “be well,” sometimes also used as the name for a simple cocktail.