Full Day Crossing the Bolaven Plateau
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The deep south of land-locked Laos is a pristine example of how the natural landscape has created the perfect soil for adventure-based travel. Added to the experience are its ethnic minorities, its collection of waterfalls, and its coffee culture.
Elevated to up to 1350 metres above sea level, the Bolaven Plateau brings all these elements together with little western influences to dilute the authentic side of the northeast of Champasak. From early morning until late afternoon, innovative approaches on what’s in store for a deep dive in Laos’ southern examples for fair-trade coffee and tea, and high grade exploration.
Available options
Oct 1, 2025 - Sep 30, 2026
Pickup included
What's included
A full day tour with a professional English-speaking guide.
All applicable taxes and service charges
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)
Detailed itinerary
1
Your English-speaking guide and driver will warmly welcome you with a “Sabaidee” at your Pakse booked hotel before heading eastwards toward the Bolaven Plateau. The 40-kilometre long drive takes approximately 45 minutes over paved roads. Home of the Laven minority, this stretched out part of Laos is the sole place where local coffee connoisseurs practice their magic in growing Arabica and Robusta beans.
We start the morning with a visit to a family-driven coffee plantation where the owners are keen to explain the process of growing Laos-grade coffee beans. No visit to a coffee plantation is complete without trying a cup of freshly-brewed and assists the family with picking coffee beans.
2
Following this tasteful encounter at a local coffee enterprise, we head over to the Tad Fane waterfall. Tad Fane's dramatic 120-metre drop makes it Bolaven Plateau’s most popular waterfall, which is situated in the Dong Houa Sao National Protected Area of this highland area. The Champi and Pak Rivers flow over the cliff producing an impressive double cascade which can be seen from the viewing platform.
3
Stop 3
The Tad Yuang is next on our travel agenda: its sheer drop of water flowing over the rock to the pool 40 metres below creates a dramatic scene, and it is even possible to swim behind its curtain of water.
4
Stop 4
A packed morning ends with a local lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing this Bolaven exploration. With over 20,000 families living and working in approximately 250 villages spread across its natural borders, it is time to get to know some of the very hospitable villagers. For generations, the sands of time have almost stood still thus expect a wonderful encounter with the indigenous people and their ways of living.
At the end of the afternoon, we make our way back to Pakse where your guide and driver drop you back off at your booked Pakse accommodation.
What's not included
Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees
Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
2.7
3 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
0
2★
2
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Pakse.
Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Champasak, Done Det, 4000 Islands, Chong Mek and Pakse International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
Customers are reminded to submit their passport number and expiration date with their reservation. These are essential requirements as outlined by local immigration regulations.
We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
Important notes
- Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request.
- Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time.
- Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time.
- Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.
In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
About Pakse
Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province, is a charming riverside town in southern Laos. It serves as a gateway to the stunning Bolaven Plateau and the historic ruins of Wat Phou, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Top Attractions
Wat Phou
An ancient Khmer temple complex dating back to the 7th century, located near the Mekong River. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical/Religious
Half to full day
Moderate (5-10 USD)
Bolaven Plateau
A scenic highland area known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and ethnic villages.
Nature
Full day
Moderate (depends on tours and activities)
Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area
A protected area featuring diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, perfect for trekking and nature lovers.
Nature
Half to full day
Free or donation-based
Must-Try Local Dishes
Laap
A minced meat salad made with herbs, spices, and lime juice, often served with sticky rice.
Main dish
Can be made with chicken, beef, or pork. Vegetarian versions available.
Tam Mak Hoong
Green papaya salad with tomatoes, chili, and fish sauce.
Appetizer
Vegetarian version available with tofu.
Khao Piak Sen
A noodle soup made with rice noodles, chicken, and a flavorful broth.
Main dish
Vegetarian version available with mushroom broth.
Popular Activities
Trekking
Waterfall visits
Caving
Riverside dining
Coffee tasting
Spa treatments
Temple visits
Local markets
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This period offers pleasant weather with lower temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Lao
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK)
Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Pakse is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Be cautious with street food
Getting there
By air
- Pakse International Airport • 4 km from city center
By bus
Pakse Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Basic but affordable. Routes are not always well-signposted.
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Pakse
Wat Phou Village
Day trips
Wat Phou
30 km from Pakse • Half to full day
Explore the ancient Khmer temple complex and enjoy the stunning views of the Mekong River.
Bolaven Plateau
60-100 km from Pakse • Full day
Discover the scenic highland area with its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and ethnic villages.
Festivals
Laos New Year (Pi Mai) • Mid-April
Pro tips
- Visit the Pakse Night Market for authentic Laotian street food
- Hire a local guide for a more immersive cultural experience
- Explore the Bolaven Plateau for its stunning waterfalls and coffee plantations
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples
- Carry small denominations for markets and street vendors
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
