4000 Islands Escape to Paradise
Private Tour
Starting from $432 pp
Vietnam
Land of the Rising Dragon
Overview
Get a taster of southern Laos with this tranquil getaway around Si Phan Don (4000 islands), a riverine archipelago in the Mekong River. In this short break we have chosen some of the more interesting islands for you to visit, exploring the area by boat, car, bike and on foot. This tour is a perfect balance of lazy boat trips and adventure with some hidden treasures along the way. This area of Laos is also the most remote when it comes to connecting with modern life, so leave the iPad at home and embrace your surroundings as you will struggle to get a signal.
Starting on Don Khone is a wonderful experience and exploring the island by bike is great fun. Take a dip in the Liphi waterfall, admire some of the scattered French colonial buildings and enjoy a fruit shake along the river. Visit the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Continue to your riverside oasis in Champasak which is close to Wat Phou, the golden stupa, perfectly placed for a day trip to the neighboring island of Done Daeng.
ITINERARY DETAILS
Day 1: Arrive Pakse to Khone Island
On arrival in Pakse you will be met by an Asia for Expats representative and will then immediately start your 4000 island adventure to Khone Island. You will first travel through the nearby town of Champassak to Ban Hatsaikhone where a local private boat will be waiting for you. Reach your final destination at the Island of Don Khone by late afternoon where you are free to enjoy as you wish.
*(B)
Day 2: Khone Island
Explore the Khone island by bicycle or tuk tuk, tracing the route of an old abandoned railway and admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. You can continue to the far tip of the island and from here take a boat onto the Mekong where it is possible to see freshwater dolphins.
*(B)
Day 3: Khone Island to Champasak
This morning you leave behind Khone island by boat and travel to the mainland before driving the short distance to the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. After time to explore the falls you will then drive to Champasak arriving there by the mid-afternoon. This gives you plenty of time to settle into your hotel that rests on the banks of the Mekong and order a cocktail in time for the beautiful sunset.
*(B)
Day 4: Champasak
We start early in the morning to catch the temple of Wat Phou in the very best light. Wat Phou, is an ancient Khmer religious complex that dates back to the 5th Century. After returning to your hotel for breakfast you have the entire day to yourself. Apart from doing absolutely nothing (not a bad option) you could take a boat to the opposite island of Done Daeng, perfect for a day trip. To end the day, you get to enjoy sunset on the sandy beach of ‘Turtle Island,’ in the middle of the river just offshore from the Resort. Wine or local beer will be included along with some canapes.
*(B)
Day 5: Champasak to Depart Pakse
Depending on your departure flight from Pakse, you may have some free time to enjoy at your leisure, before being transferred to the airport for your departing flight.
*(B)
*Please see our list of activities that can be added to your getaway.
Activities
Wat Phou
Minimum Number: 1 People
Duration: from 2 hours
Wat Phou is an ancient religious complex that dates back to the 5th Century. Explore this impressive Khmer structure early in the morning when the scenery is at its best and return to your hotel for breakfast.
Don Khone Island and Waterfall Day Trip
Minimum Number: 1 People
Duration: 8 hours
Navigate to Don Khone island and explore the area by bicycle or tuk tuk, visit Liphi Waterfall and the fishing village of Ban Nakasang. Take a short drive to Khone Phapheng, the largest falls in southeast Asia and the main reason why the Mekong is not fully navigable into China.
Expat Tips
Top Expat Tips
- Take a day trip to the Island of Done Daeng and enjoy lunch at La Folie Lodge.
- Two wheels is better than two feet as you will discover much more of island life.
- Remember to slow down. This is Lao PDR (please don’t rush).
Challenges:
- See if you can find the carving of a Lion on one of the stones at the top of Wat Phou.
- Find the old steam engine on the Don Khone site of the rail bridge.
- Walk to the top of the hill to see the Golden Buddha in Champasak.
For Families:
- If you want to take a dip in the water check the currents as they can be quite strong depending on the season.
- Try the ‘Fleur du Mekong’ restaurant on Khone Island as their menu has something for all the family.
Information
Tour Includes:
- Land transportation within Laos by private vehicles.
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation listed
- Breakfasts each morning on the tour
- Excursions as mentioned
- All admission fees at activities mentioned in the itinerary, temples and attractions.
- All taxes
Tour Excludes:
- Flights to/from Asia. (Our team can help you arrange flights if requested)
- International airport departure taxes
- Visa fees
- Meals, unless otherwise mentioned
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Other excursions and entrance fees
- Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness).
- All other services not listed in “Tour Includes”.
Flights
We will arrange all flights and transportation within Asia as mentioned in the itinerary. Our team can arrange bonded ATOL flights to/from Asia upon request. Please complete the enquiry form with the necessary information to issue a quote for your international flights.
Visa
A visa is required to enter Laos. Our team will happily advise you on visa requirements.
Passport
Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond stay. Also at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting and 4 passport-size photos are needed.
Insurance
Please make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance adequate for your holidays and the activities you want to undertake. Your insurance must cover medical costs related to hospitalisation, repatriation and emergency travel.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor, clinic or your national Department of Health for recommended vaccinations and medication when travelling to Southeast Asia. It is important to arrange the necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.
Currency
US Dollars (USD) are accepted in some places in Laos. You can exchange US Dollars for the local currency Lao Kip (LAK) once you arrive. For currency conversion please click here.
How to Book
Only once you are fully happy with your tailor-made itinerary you will receive an invoice. In order to secure availability for your booking, tour, activities and accommodation we require a 20% deposit.
Responsible Travel
Asia for Expats is committed to promote tourism that creates better places to live in and better places to visit. As expatriates living in Asia we care about the people and regions where we travel. Please read our Responsible Travel section to find more.
Please note:
Our prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are subject to changes and can only be confirmed after receiving an enquiry.
Make an enquiry
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We can tailor this experience to suit your needs. Please complete the enquiry form specifying any requirements or alterations to the itinerary.
