South Laos

Que voir au sud du Laos ?

Le Sud Laos est un circuit moins emprunté que le Nord. Pourtant, il ne devrait en aucun cas être oublié dans votre voyage en Asie ou au Laos. Il est tout à fait possible d’explorer le pays en effectuant un combiné Nord et Sud. Le Sud est accessible par la route principale qui relie Vientiane à Paksé ou par voie aérienne avec pour point d’arrivé l’aéroport de Paksé. Il existe plusieurs passages par voie terrestre vers le Cambodge, la Thailande, et le Vietnam.

Les paysages du Sud Laos sont très différents de ceux du Nord, la végétation est moins dense, les plaines s’étendent et offrent un espace propice à l’agriculture et à la vie rurale. Les régions de Bolikhamxay, Khammouane et Savannaketh qui abritent de nombreux parcs nationaux dont le Phou Hin Boun, permettent de superbes itinéraires de trekking dans ces provinces peu visitées qui comptent pourtant parmi les nombreux attraits du sud du Laos. En route vers le sud, les villes de Thakhek et Savanakhet qui longent le Mékong, font partie des étapes incontournables. Ne manquez pas la visite en pirogue des impressionnantes grottes de Kong Lor qui s’étendent sur 7,5km à l’intérieur de la montagne.

On prend ensuite un peu de hauteur au plateau des Bolovens, réputé pour sa culture du thé et du café. Le climat plus frais est propice à la randonnée. C’est ici que l’on trouve la plus grande concentration de cascades toutes plus spectaculaires les unes que les autres : Tad Hang, Tad Lo, Tad Souang, Tad Fane… La région séduit aussi pour ses lodges haut de gamme dans la jungle et ses hôtels de charme le long du fleuve. Le parc national Xe Pian s’étend sur 240 000 hectares entre les régions de Champassak et Attapeu. Il est l’un des plus important du Laos et l’habitat de nombreux animaux sauvages tels que les éléphants, les ours et les gibbons. La flore y est exceptionnelle.

Paksé est la plus grande ville du Sud Laos, n’hésitez pas à visiter son quartier à l’architecture datant de l’époque coloniale et l’impressionnant marché de Da Heuang. Plus au sud, vous pourrez contempler les rives du Mékong à Champassak ou explorer l’île de Don Daeng à vélo. Faites l’expérience d’un véritable moment de tranquillité sur les terrasses de l’hôtel la Perle du Sud et son restaurant Soum Noum, petite perle du Sud Laos. Profitez des vues imprenables du haut du Vat Phou, le célèbre temple Khmer, visitez son musée et finissez en beauté avec la visite du Wat Um Tomo. Découvrez l’artisanat local et laissez-vous transporter par les histoires du théâtre d’Ombres de Champassak, avant d’embarquer pour une croisière au rythme du Mékong jusqu’aux 4000 îles.

Dans la région de Si Phan Don (ou 4000 îles), le climat plus chaud invite à la détente et au farniente. Du Nord au Sud, le Mékong est ici plus impressionnant, plus large, plus calme, puis il se divise aux 4000 îles et zigzague entre les îlots. Ne manquez pas le coucher de soleil depuis votre hamac, sur l’une des 3 îles principales Don Det, Don Khone et Don Khong. Faites un détour par les chutes de Khone Phapeng et de Li Phi et partez à la rencontre des dauphins de l’Irrawaddy en bateau ou en canoë.

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 French-speaking 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 travel 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 international 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 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% local 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.