Laos · Beyond Luang Prabang
Southern Laos: the 4000 Islands, Don Daeng and Wat Phou
A pre-Angkorian temple, an island to explore by bike, hammocks facing the Mekong: the three stops of southern Laos, and how long to spend there.
Wat Phou
Unesco
Don Daeng
1 to 3 days
4000 Islands
2 to 4 days
Best season
November to February
Southern Laos is an invitation to slow down. You cycle between rice fields, watch the sun set over the Mekong, swing in a hammock. It is the ideal place to end a trip to Laos. Here are its three stops.
Southern Laos
Champassak · Don Daeng · the 4000 Islands
In the Champassak region, the Wat Phou temple and Don Daeng island are close together. Further south, near the Cambodian border, the Mekong widens and splits into thousands of islands: the 4000 Islands.
“Southern Laos is an invitation to slow down.”
Practical info
- Wat Phou: go early in the morning, before the heat
- Don Daeng: you go round the island by bike
- The 4000 Islands: Don Det and Don Khon are the most visited
- Pace: put your phone away
01
The three stops of the south
Wat Phou
A pre-Angkorian temple on the Unesco list, far less crowded than Angkor.
Don Daeng
A quiet island: cycling, rice fields, small villages and sunset over the Mekong.
The 4000 Islands
Cycling, hammocks facing the Mekong, kayaking.
The falls
Khone Phapheng and Li Phi, among the most powerful in the region.
Dolphins
With luck, you may spot Irrawaddy dolphins.
Do
- Visit Wat Phou early in the morning
- Rent a bike on the islands
- End your trip here
Avoid
- Rushing through the south
- The hot hours at Wat Phou
- Swimming near the rapids
Start in Luang Prabang
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
How many days in the 4000 Islands?
Two to four days.
What is Wat Phou?
A pre-Angkorian temple on the Unesco list, in the Champassak region.
Can you see dolphins in Laos?
Sometimes, in the 4000 Islands: Irrawaddy dolphins, with a bit of luck.
Should I start or end in the south?
The south is ideal for ending a trip, in peace.
A question about southern Laos?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
Ask a question