Southern Laos which offers some stunning esoteric sites, underground rivers, gigantic waterfalls, diversity of ethnicity, ancient relics together with chilled-out heavens for backpackers can be an awarding part of the country to discover. Far fewer travellers join in adventures here and many of those who have intention to go straight down to the southern hub of Pakse from Vientiane but between them there are so many things worth exploring. Indochina tours in Laos
The Loop of Tha Khaek – source: escapology.eu
Tha Khaek, the capital of Khammuan, provides travelers with incredibly great options to explore such as giant caves, rough rock climbing, relaxing swimming holes and an extremely popular motorbike highway well known as the Loop of Tha Khaek that gives you a chance to visit the Konglor Cave. Here, being on board of a seven-kilometer long pitch-dark boat to travel through the mountain is an adorable thing to do.
Situated farther south along the Mekong, Savannakhet is a place where you still can see beret-wearing old men play petanque in front of destroyed buildings constructed in the colonial times, beautiful remnants of a time when the city was a really busy French trading small military camp housing both Chinese and French businessmen. Travel to Laos
The largest lake lying in the outskirts of the Savannakhet City – source: aprotravel.com
Do not make a mistake of thinking going trekking is only possible in northern Laos, from here, in the south Laos, head into the hinterland to explore rugged parks to satisfy your curiosity.
With options for travelers keeping on increasing, including a large number of boutique accommodations, interesting Mekong river cruises coming with uncountable outdoor adventure activities, Pakse located in Champasak province is the entertainment center of southern Laos. It is also the close access to the Bolaven Plateau which is famous for its cool climate, towering waterfalls and coffee plantations. Being the coffee capital of Laos, Paksong is thought to have the great specialist farms doing great things and the numerous cafes throughout the city by the coffee lovers. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the best cup you have ever had in the Southeast Asia.
Once arriving in Champasak, do not miss a chance to visit the magical theatre Shadow Puppet Theatre & Cinéma Tuktuk which is run by Frenchman Yves Bernard to hear and watch the story of the epic Ramyana through the ancient art of shadow puppets. On different nights, in this theatre, they film the enchanting silent film Chang (1924) produced by the director of famous Hollywood’s movie King Kong in Laos. The best presence of live musicians providing the soundtrack brings guests the most amazing feeling.
Shadow Puppet Theatre & Cinéma Tuktuk – source: princeclausfund.org
In sharp contrast, Si Phan Don which is similar to lazy sun-drunk flies to honey with 4,000 magnificent islands, attracts happy backpackers all over the world. Just hurdling of the Cambodia border, the spectacular islands offer reasonable priced bamboo bungalows with hammocks where the popular activity is zoning out. There is not much to do here except waking up early to catch the splendid sunset on the Mekong, riding a bike around and delaying leaving Laos for yet another day.
Travel lovers.
Read more:
- Vientiane – Luang Prabang (5 Days, 4 Nights)
- Southern Laos Adventure (7 Days, 6 Nights)
- Luang Prabang 4 days 3 nights 2 with Elephant Village
