The Bolaven Plateau and its coffee plantations
The Bolaven Plateau is probably one of the most beautiful regions to discover during your trip to Laos. Located about 50km east of Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau is surrounded by a mountain range to the east, near the Vietnamese border, and the Mekong to the west. The plateau spans three regions of Southern Laos: Salavan, Sekong, and Champassak. At the heart of the Bolaven Plateau lies the small town of Paksong, the highest point of the plateau, where the climate is cooler.
Bolaven Plateau: ພູພຽງບໍລະເວນ
What to see on the Bolaven Plateau?
The Bolaven Plateau is the ideal place to discover the beauty of Southern Laos landscapes, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the waterfalls and taste some of the best coffee in the world.
It is the most important coffee-producing region in Laos and supports many families and villages. If you don’t have time to stop and taste it, don’t worry—coffee from the Bolaven Plateau is exported throughout the country! Green tea is also grown, but is more rare.
Arabica coffee and coffee farming techniques were passed down when Laos was placed under a French protectorate starting in 1920 and continue to thrive thanks to the fertile land and advantageous climate. The plateau was also one of the most bombed areas during the Vietnam War due to its strategic position.
You can visit the coffee plantations at Mr. Vieng’s or in Mr. Hook’s village to learn more about the history of coffee and its different varieties, but also to taste the precious liquid in the traditional way using bamboo as a filter. When you reach the Tad Fane waterfall, you will even have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee above the void, suspended by a zipline (120m high)!
One of the primary reasons for tourism in this area is the natural beauty of its landscapes, which is beginning to acquire an international reputation, with its lush vegetation and superb waterfalls named Tad Lo, Tad Fane, Tad Champee, or Tad Yeuang. For this reason, many travelers choose to spend 2 to 4 days on a scooter from Pakse to discover the surroundings in total freedom. The plateau is also inhabited by many ethnic groups who are accustomed to sharing their way of life with foreigners. They are the Katu, Alak, Tahoy, and Ngai, but the majority of the region’s population belongs to the Laven family, Boloven meaning “homeland of the Laven.” This ethno-diversity adds to the charms of the Bolaven Plateau, and you can visit the villages to discover their traditions.
What to see around the Bolaven Plateau?
Pakse, the most important city in Southern Laos, is often the starting point for excursions to the Bolaven Plateau. It is not particularly interesting but serves as a hub for travelers arriving from Vientiane or Luang Prabang by bus or plane. It is also the trading platform for products from the Bolaven Plateau, such as coffee and tea, which are exported throughout the country. About forty-five minutes south of Pakse lies the charming town of Champassak, on the right bank of the Mekong. This peaceful little town is appreciated for its tranquility and its proximity to Wat Phou, a superb pre-Angkorian temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A few hours away is the Si Phan Don region, also called the 4000 Islands. During the dry season, the water recedes, revealing islets and sandbanks. Perfect for resting, exploring the Khone Phapheng falls, or meeting the Mekong dolphins!
Visit the Bolaven Plateau with Asia Safari Laos
Because every trip to Laos should be unique, our team of English-speaking advisors is at your disposal to organize your stay on the Bolaven Plateau. We assist you in choosing your accommodation, transport, and activities to best meet your expectations. Our services allow you to discover the Bolaven Plateau differently, off the beaten track.Our travel ideas in Southern Laos
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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 French-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 French-speaking 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 French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian 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 is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
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 7.5 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.
