What to see in southern Laos?
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
Our tailor-made travel ideas in southern Laos
The must-sees of Southern Laos
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The must-sees in total comfort
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
With Asia Safari, you plan your tailor-made trip directly with a local English-speaking team. Our agency has been based in Vientiane since 2002. Its founder, Jean-Paul Duvergé, has worked in Laos since 2000. 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
- Since 2002, Asia Safari has been creating tailor-made journeys in Laos, drawing on the experience its founder has gained in the country since 2000.
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information: your itinerary, accommodation and a quote specifying the services included.
3. We refine the proposal together, adjusting the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your expectations and budget.
4. We coordinate the services included in your itinerary on the ground: guides, transport, accommodation and activities.
When to visit Laos?
From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.
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 travel ideas for Laos and neighbouring countries
Laos + Cambodia: from the temples of Luang Prabang to Angkor, shape a journey combining cultural heritage and Mekong scenery. A visit to Tonlé Sap can complement the itinerary, depending on your interests and the time available.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: from the landscapes of Yunnan to the mountains of northern Laos, the Laos–China railway can connect some of the stops on your journey. We plan the route with you, in either direction.
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.
Duration: we adapt the number of stops to the time you have available. For a trip combining two countries, we consider the regions you want to explore, travel between destinations and your preferred pace.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: the cost of a multi-country trip depends on its length, the season, the number of travellers, accommodation and transport between destinations. We prepare a personalised quote specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé has worked in Laos since 2000. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari in Vientiane to design tailor-made trips in Laos and Indochina. Today, the agency’s French-Lao team plans each itinerary with its travellers and coordinates arrangements on the ground with its local guides and partners.
What sets us apart
A team on the ground: based in Vientiane, we plan your trip using our knowledge of Laos and information from our local partners. We take the seasons, travel conditions and accommodation into account when designing your itinerary.
We speak your language: our team supports you in English, from planning your trip to assistance during your stay. English-speaking guided visits are arranged according to your itinerary.
Direct contact with our team: you speak with the people who plan your trip and coordinate its organisation on the ground. Your quote specifies the price of your trip and the services included.
Tailor-made journeys: our suggested itineraries are starting points. We adapt the destinations, pace, accommodation and activities to your dates, wishes and budget.
Our commitment
We give preference to local accommodation providers and partners. When visiting villages, we take care to respect residents and their customs. Our approach also aims to help preserve the cultural and natural sites that make Laos special.
Laos in figures
Laos covers 236,800 km² and had a population of around 7.9 million in 2025. Its capital is Vientiane, its official language is Lao and its currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Theravada Buddhism is the main religion. The country is in the UTC+7 time zone.
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 has an important place in Laos, alongside a variety of cultural traditions. In Luang Prabang, the monks’ morning alms round is a religious ritual to observe with discretion and respect. Boun Pi Mai, Lao New Year in April, and Boun Ok Phansa, which marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat, are among the events that shape the year.
Nature and biodiversity
The forests and protected areas of Laos are home to a variety of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons and sun bears. Rivers, mountains and plateaus offer many opportunities to explore nature.
