Southern Laos Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich Southern Laos with our comprehensive travel guide. From cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures to local cuisine, we have got you covered.


Introduction to Southern Laos

Southern Laos is a hidden gem that offers an unadulterated cultural and natural experience to its visitors. The region is tucked away in the southern part of Laos and is bordered by Thailand and Cambodia. The vast and verdant landscape of Southern Laos is a treat for adventure enthusiasts, while the captivating local culture and customs are bound to amaze history and culture buffs.

This extensive travel guide will equip you with everything you need to know about Southern Laos, making your trip safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Laos

The following are some of the places that you cannot afford to miss when visiting Southern Laos:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wat Phu Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Khmer Empire and boasts stunning views of the Mekong River.

  • Royal Palace Museum: An impressive display of artifacts from the last monarch of Laos.

  • Ta Ong Houk Stone Jars Site: Houses over 300 large stone jars that have been there for over a thousand years.

  • Paksong Market: A bustling market where you can pick up affordable and authentic Lao souvenirs and handicrafts.

Natural Attractions of Southern Laos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bolaven Plateau: A stunning natural park slightly elevated above the surrounding area, home to waterfalls, tea plantations, and tribal villages.

  • Si Phan Don (4000 Islands): Group of islands in the south of Lao along the Mekong River that is a perfect place to chill out and relax.

  • Xe Pian National Protected Area: A biodiverse park filled with exotic wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and an array of bird species.

  • Tad Fane Waterfall: A magnificent 120m-high waterfall that is ideal for scenic trekking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Laos

Southern Laos offers endless trails for hikers and bikers that wind through the breathtaking mountainscape, rice paddies, and riverbanks. Some of the most sought-after routes include:

  • The Bolaven Loop, which offers a picturesque journey through the Bolaven Plateau.

  • The Mekong River trail that offers stunning views of the river and its fishermen villages

  • The Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area, a park that is home to several hiking routes with varying levels of difficulty.

Best Things to Do in Southern Laos: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the must-do activities and tours when visiting Southern Laos:

  • Boat Cruise on Mekong River: A relaxing and scenic experience that offers an unparalleled view of the region’s lush landscapes and remote riverbank villages.

  • Cultural tours of Lao tribal villages: A chance to experience local life and learn about the traditional skills and customs that the Lao are famous for.

  • Ziplining and Trekking: An exhilarating experience that offers a unique view of Southern Laos’s jungle and river landscapes.

  • Waterfall visits and swimming: A refreshing way to cool down from the tropical heat of Laos by experiencing stunning waterfalls.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Laos

Day 1: Go on a cultural tour of the Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area, visit the Alms-giving ceremony in Paksong, and take a dip in the Tad Fane Waterfall.

Day 2-3: Take a boat cruise along the Mekong River, visit the serene Si Phan Don Islands, and cycle around the charming 4000 Islands.

Day 4: Explore the Wat Phu Temple, visit the Champasak Provincial Museum, and take a stop at the Don Deng Island Village.

Day 5: Visit the stone jars in Ta Ong Houk, sample the delicious Lao dishes at the Paksong Market, and find unique souvenirs among the local handicrafts and textiles.

Day 6-7: Trek and zipline across the Bolaven Plateau, visit the mountainous coffee plantations, and end your trip exploring the stunning Xe Pian National Protected Area.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Laos

Southern Laos is a treasure trove of delicious, flavorful, and authentic Lao dishes. These are some of the must-try local dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Or Lam: A flavorful soup made of meat, vegetables, and herbs that is a staple of Lao cuisine.

  • Khao Piak: A popular rice noodle soup with meat or fish and herbs.

  • Lao sausage (Sai Oua): A spiced link sausage that is famous for its strong herbal aroma and smoky flavor.

  • Kaipen: A popular snack made with roasted riverweed seasoned with sesame seeds and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Beerlao: The national beer of Laos, a lager that is refreshing after a day of adventure.

  • Lao coffee: The Bolaven Plateau produces some of the world’s premium coffee beans.

  • Lao Lao: A fermeted alcohol made of rice that is unique to Laos.

  • Tiger Energy Drink: A local drink that is highly popular in Laos.

Where to Stay in Southern Laos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Laos caters to a wide array of tourists–from budget backpackers to luxury travelers. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area include:

  • The River Resort Champasak: A luxury resort situated on the banks of the Mekong river.

  • Tad Fane Resort: A four-star resort overlooking the Tad Fane waterfall in the Bolaven Plateau.

  • Easy Go Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel in Pakse that provides easy access to the local markets.

  • Mama Guesthouse: A family-run traditional Lao house that offers modest accommodation in downtown Pakse.

What to Buy in Southern Laos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Southern Laos, you can bring home some unique and authentic souvenirs and products that will remind you of your trip. These include:

  • Silk textiles: Lao silk scarves and skirts are famous for intricate weaving and vibrant colors.

  • Rice and coffee: Lao coffee, along with the local sticky rice, make great souvenirs and gifts.

  • Ceramics and pottery: Laotian pottery is famous for its unique shapes and intricate designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Laos

The life and customs of Southern Laos revolve around Theravada Buddhism. Therefore, you will see plenty of temples, and saffron-robed monks bowing for alms in the morning. When visiting temples and people’s homes, it is necessary to respect their customs, remove shoes in specific areas, and dress respectfully.

Best Time to Visit Southern Laos

The best time to visit Southern Laos is during the dry season, between November and April. The weather is comfortable and perfect for outdoor activities. During the rainy season, which is between May and October, downpour and flooding can be challenging, making transportation difficult to access various tourist sites.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Laos

Do:

  • Respect the customs and traditions of the locals
  • Take off your shoes when entering a home or temple
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples
  • Negotiate prices at markets and for transport

Don’t:

  • Disrespect Buddha images
  • Offend monks by touching them or sitting higher than them
  • Litter or throw trash in public places
  • Overstay your visa.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Laos

Southern Laos is generally safe. Petty crime can happen in touristy areas, so it is wise to be cautious and not leave belongings unattended. During the rainy season, the region may face flooding, so check local news if you are planning to travel during this time.

Health in Southern Laos

Southern Laos is a safe region health-wise; it has limited infrastructure in terms of medical services so medical emergencies may need to be treated elsewhere

Getting to Southern Laos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Laos:

  • Pakse International Airport: The main airport in Southern Laos.

  • Savannakhet International Airport: An alternative airport but is less served.

Bus Stations Near Southern Laos:

  • Southern Bus Terminal: Located in Vientiane, from here, visitors can access Southern destinations by bus.

  • Pakse Bus Station: An intercity type of bus station that caters to South Laos destinations.

Other Options:

  • Train: There are no rail networks in Southern Laos.
  • Taxi: Taxis can be expensive but offer comfort.
  • Boat: A scenic means of transport, but only serves a few destinations.

How to Get Around in Southern Laos

Most tourists get around Southern Laos by renting motorbikes or hiring local drivers. Main market towns like Champassak, Thakek, and Pakse, are equipped with local transport options like tuk-tuks and songthaews. You can also hire private cars or book guided tours for a more relaxed and convenient experience.

Where to Go Next from Southern Laos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time, these are some of the nearby destinations and excursions you can do from Southern Laos:

  • The 3 Kingdoms Border Point: Tour the tri-border point between three different countries, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, in the town of Chong Mek.

  • The Kong Lor Cave: Tour the over 7km-long cave via boat in central Laos

  • Buddhist utopia town of Luang Prabang: A town with many temples, museums, & cafes.

Conclusion

Southern Laos is an ideal destination for experiencing authentic, natural, and cultural influences of Asia without the crowds found in more developed tourist destinations in Asia. With this comprehensive handbook, you can plan your trip thoroughly and enjoy all the fantastic places and experiences that Southern Laos has to offer.



    Champasak
    Saravan
    Si Phan Don