South Laos

What to see in southern Laos?

Southern Laos is a less-travelled route than the north, yet it should by no means be left out of your trip to Asia or Laos. It is entirely possible to explore the country by combining north and south. The south can be reached by the main road linking Vientiane to Pakse, or by air, landing at Pakse airport. There are also several overland crossings to Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The landscapes of southern Laos are very different from those of the north: the vegetation is less dense, and the plains stretch out, providing space for agriculture and rural life. The regions of Bolikhamxay, Khammouane and Savannakhet, home to numerous national parks including Phou Hin Boun, offer superb trekking itineraries through these little-visited provinces, which nevertheless count among the many attractions of southern Laos. On the way south, the towns of Thakhek and Savannakhet, stretched along the Mekong, are among the must-see stops. Don’t miss the pirogue trip through the impressive Kong Lor caves, which run 7.5 km into the mountain. You then gain a little altitude on the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its tea and coffee growing. The cooler climate is ideal for hiking. This is where you will find the greatest concentration of waterfalls, each more spectacular than the last: Tad Hang, Tad Lo, Tad Souang, Tad Fane… The region is also appealing for its high-end jungle lodges and its charming hotels along the river. The Xe Pian national park covers 240,000 hectares between the regions of Champassak and Attapeu. It is one of the largest in Laos and home to many wild animals such as elephants, bears and gibbons. Its flora is exceptional. Pakse is the largest city in southern Laos: take time to visit its district of colonial-era architecture and the impressive Da Heuang market. Further south, you can admire the banks of the Mekong at Champassak or explore Don Daeng island by bicycle. Enjoy a true moment of tranquillity on the terraces of the hotel La Perle du Sud and its restaurant Soum Noum, a little gem of southern Laos. Take in the breathtaking views from the top of Vat Phou, the famous Khmer temple, visit its museum and end on a high note with a visit to Wat Um Tomo. Discover the local crafts and let yourself be carried away by the stories of the Champassak shadow theatre, before boarding a cruise at the rhythm of the Mekong down to the 4,000 Islands. In the Si Phan Don region (the 4,000 Islands), the warmer climate invites you to relax and unwind. From north to south, the Mekong is at its most impressive here, wider and calmer, before dividing at the 4,000 Islands and weaving between the islets. Don’t miss the sunset from your hammock on one of the three main islands, Don Det, Don Khone and Don Khong. Make a detour to the Khone Phapheng and Li Phi falls, and explore the archipelago by boat or canoe.

What to do in southern Laos?

Southern Laos offers many excursion options and activities tailored to your preferences. Whether you choose sporting activities (trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, zip-lining, motorbike rides, 4×4 outings…), cultural activities (discovering temples, villages, local crafts, guided tours…), cruises, nature, relaxation, off the beaten track, or experiences linked to ecotourism projects (visiting natural parks, homestays, taking part in fair trade…), we design tailor-made travel experiences as close as possible to your expectations.

Visit southern Laos with Asia Safari

Because every trip to Laos should be unique, our team of local travel advisors is here to help you plan your stay. We assist you in choosing your accommodation, transport and activities as closely as possible to your expectations. Our services allow you to experience an authentic Laos and discover the country differently, off the beaten track.

Our tailor-made travel ideas in southern Laos

Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

• Local English-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
• Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
• Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
• 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of travelers every year

How does our tailor-made service work?

1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities

When to visit Laos?

The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.

Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

Our most requested Indochina combinations

Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.

Our Story

Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large international agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.

What sets us apart

We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari works in English as well as French. Your questions, your proposal and your itinerary are handled in English, and English-speaking guides are available on request.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.

Our commitment

Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.

Laos in figures

Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.9 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7

Laos must-sees

Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

Lao culture

Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.

Nature and biodiversity

Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.