The Salavan Region
The capital of the province of the same name, the city is located approximately 125km northeast of Pakse, in one of the country’s most isolated regions. Salavan is situated in a fairly dense jungle area, with several ethnic villages established nearby. Salavan (also spelled Saravane) was once the administrative, economic, and cultural capital of the province founded by the French but destroyed during the war for independence. Today, it consists of a mix of brick buildings and wooden houses and can satisfy travelers with its rural and restful calm, although it has little intrinsic interest.
Salavan: ສາລະວັນ
What to see in Salavan?
The Salavan province enjoys a pleasant climate similar to that of the Bolovens Plateau. In southern Laos, the Salavan region has retained its wild character, covered in dense jungle and little affected by tourism and deforestation due to its isolated geographical location and difficult road access. It is crossed by several protected areas: Xe Ban Nuan, Phou Xiang Thong, Xe Xap, which preserve exceptional biodiversity. Caution is advised in this region, however, as there are still traces of explosive devices along the old Ho Chi Minh Trail that passed through here.
It is home to various ethnic groups, notably the Oi, Alak, Katou, Ngae, Souay, and Lao Loum. These animist ethnic groups have preserved their rites and traditions, which are several hundred years old. Part of the Bolovens Plateau loop passes through the south of the Salavan region, which is certainly the most frequented area. Along this route is the village of Tad Lo, and three waterfalls are nearby: Tad Song the most impressive, Tad Lo and Tad Hang. A magnificent natural spectacle! It is possible to hike in the surroundings and visit the villages of coffee producers, the region’s black gold!
What to see around Salavan?
Salavan is located between the regions of Champasak, Sekong, and Savannakhet. The Champasak region is undoubtedly the most interesting to discover. It is home to Pakse, the most active city in southern Laos, which serves as a starting point for trekking or scooter excursions on the superb Bolovens Plateau. It is a city with no tourist interest itself but serves as a relay point for travelers arriving from Vientiane or Luang Prabang by bus or plane. About forty-five minutes south of Pakse is the charming town of Champassak. Located on the Mekong River, this peaceful small town is appreciated for its tranquility and its proximity to Vat Phou, a pre-Angkorian temple classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit the Salavan region with Asia Safari Laos
Because every trip to Laos should be unique, our team of French-speaking advisors is at your disposal to organize your stay in the Salavan region. We assist you in choosing your accommodations, transportation, and activities that best meet your expectations. Our services allow you to discover the Salavan region differently, off the beaten path.Our tailor-made trip ideas for Southern Laos
Southern Laos Essentials
(6 days)
Southern Laos Adventure
(15 days)
South to Vientiane by Road
(11 days)
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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.
