Travel is Adventures.com

South Laos 5 Days Itinerary: Champasak, Bolaven Plateau, 4000 islands

Laos is a paradise for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re exploring the south, this itinerary covers the best of the region, from ancient temples to the famous 4000 Islands. You can tweak it based on your travel style—whether you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to see as much as possible!

1. Day 1: Pakse to Champasak – Exploring Wat Phou
2. Day 2: Champasak to Bolaven Plateau – Waterfalls & Coffee Plantations
3. Day 3: Bolaven Plateau to Champasak – Ride Back
4. Day 4: Champasak to Don Det – Island Life Begins
5. Day 5: Exploring 4000 Islands – Cycling & Waterfalls
6. How to Get to Pakse
7. Final Thoughts

Want to know more details about Laos, check my post dedicated to Discover Laos or my recommended North Laos 6 days itinerary.

---

Day 1: Pakse to Champasak – Exploring Wat Phou

After arriving in Pakse, hop on a local bus or tuk-tuk to reach Champasak, a charming riverside town. The highlight of the day is Wat Phu, a UNESCO-listed temple complex older than Angkor Wat, offering stunning views over the Mekong.

• Morning: Arrival in Pakse, transfer to Champasak (1h cab ride for 12$ or by minivan for a cheaper option)
• Afternoon: Explore Wat Phou (entry ticket for ~3$/pax), we took a tuktuk from champasak center to the temple (just walk in the street for couple minutes and you will find people who offer a package ~6$)
• Evening: Wander through Champasak’s colonial streets then relax by the river and enjoy a laid-back dinner with a view on the Mekong.

💡 Tips: 

• Wat Phu is best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
• You can rent a bicycle to explore Champasak at your own pace.

---

Day 2: Champasak to Bolaven Plateau – Waterfalls & Coffee Plantations

Time for adventure! Rent a scooter in Champasak and head to the Bolaven Plateau, a lush region famous for its waterfalls, scenic routes, and coffee plantations. There is different loop you can explore depending the time you have. We decided to go with the small loop focusing on the 4 Sisters Area and spend more time relaxing.

• Morning & Afternoon: Drive towards Bolaven Plateau, stopping at Tad E-tu, Tad Fan and Tad Yuang waterfalls. Visit a local coffee farm and enjoy fresh Lao coffee.
• Evening: Stay overnight in a hotel with a nice view over the valley.

Reality Check: I was expecting small scenic roads with no traffic but unfortunately the first part of the road until Paksong is a very large road with a lot of trucks and it wasn’t pleasant to drive. I believe the bigger loops will bring you to more scenic areas.

💡 Tips: 

• Leave your large luggage at your hotel in Champasak and bring only a small bag to carry on the scooter for couple days.
• Bring a jacket—temperature can drop in the plateau!
• If you don’t want to ride a scooter, hire a private driver.

---

Day 3: Bolaven Plateau to Champasak – Ride Back

Enjoy a relaxed morning before making your way back to Champasak.

• Morning : Tad Champee waterfall and relax.
• Afternoon: Return ride to Champasak with stops for photos along the way.
• Evening: Sunset by the Mekong

💡 Tips: I recommend to leave early the plateau to avoid the traffic in late afternoon around Pakse!

---

Day 4: Champasak to Don Det – Island Life Begins

Say goodbye to Champasak and head towards the 4000 Islands!

• Morning: Travel to Don Det (total journey ~4 hours, first leg Champasak to Nakasang ~10$/pax, then a long-boat to reach Don Det/Don Khone Islands ~3$/pax )
• Afternoon : Settle into a riverside bungalow, go for a swim, or explore on foot the small island.
• Evening: We went on a sunset cruise on the Mekong. The boat ride bring you around the islands then you will be dropped on a patch of sand where you will be able to take a swim (be careful on the strong current) and a fresh beer to enjoy the sunset.

💡 Tip: Bring cash, there are no ATM on Don Det/Don Khone. You can still find a money exchange shop but it closes early!

---

Day 5: Exploring 4000 Islands – Cycling & Waterfalls

A full day to explore the relaxed beauty of the 4000 Islands!

• Morning: Visit Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the most impressive cascades in the region (widest waterfall) with more than 10km wide.
• Afternoon: Rent a bike and cycle around Don Det and Don Khong along the old French railway bridge, stopping at views on the Mekong. You can also visit Li Phi waterfall.
• Evening: Return to Pakse

---

How to Get to Pakse

Pakse is the main gateway to southern Laos. Here’s how to get there:

• ✈️ By Air: Direct flights from Vientiane or Bangkok to Pakse Airport.
• 🚌 By Bus: For a budget friendly option you can cross from Thailand via bus (from Ubon Ratchathani – there is an airport with cheap liaison fligths with bangkok)

Final Thoughts

South Laos offers a mix of adventure, history, and slow travel vibes. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, biking through sleepy villages, or watching the Mekong’s sunset, this itinerary gives you a taste of the country’s best. Still undecided about Laos? Check out my blog post : Is Laos worth visiting? for a complete guide and real life experience!

You can easily combine my north Laos itinerary with this south itinerary to have a full taste of Laos.

Planning a trip to Laos? Let me know if you have questions or share your experience in the comments!

Happy Travels!