A VISIT TO THE HIDDEN 4000 ISLANDS (4 Days / 3 Nights)

A VISIT TO THE HIDDEN 4000 ISLANDS (4 Days / 3 Nights)

The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. The scenery around Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route.

DAY 1. ARRIVAL – PAKSE - TADLO

On arrival at Pakse, you will be met and taken by road to Saravanh province via Tateng. We take a tea break en route to the Boloven Plateau area, to observe the locals and their way of life as they make traditional tea and coffee. The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. The scenery around Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, we visit the villages of Alak, Nge, Katu, populated by ethnic minority groups.

Overnight at Tad Lo

DAY 2. TADLO – PAKSE – WAT PHOU – DON KHONE (B/…/…)

After an early breakfast, we head out towards Khong Island. On the way we make a short detour to visit Pha Suam waterfall and to stroll around the ethnic minority villages of Lao Teung. We continue to travel by road via Pakse town crossing the Mekong by ferry to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 5^thcentury, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We continue our journey by road to Ban Nakasang and taking a long-tailed boat to Donekhone island, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos.

Overnight in Don Khong

DAY 3. DON KHONE – KHONG ISLAND - PAKSE (B/…/…)

Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a long trail boat tour of the Don Khone area, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period, Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". We return to the mainland at the fishing village Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng on the journey. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in the South East Asia; this is really an impressive sight with marvelous nature near the Lao-Cambodian border, which is teeming with wildlife making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Afterward we drive back to Pakse.

Overnight in Pakse

DAY 4. PAKSE - DEPARTURE (B/…/…)

After breakfast, you will be transferred out to airport. Trip ended.

Tour Class	All prices are valid for 01 October 2011 to 30 April 2012 Tour price in USD net per person in group of						Surcharge If require
Hotel Categories	2	3-6	7-11	12-15	16-19	20 up	Single	Meals
Standard=3 stars	540	427	314	222	217	207	52	101
First Class=4 stars	549	437	325	233	227	217	71	124
Superior=4 stars +	556	443	331	239	234	224	84	146

INCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v Private transportation in private air-conditioned

v Accommodation in twin shared

v Private boat trip as stated in above sights

v English speaking guide

v Admission fee to indicated sights

v Meals: daily breakfast at hotel

v Government tax and service charge

v Luggage handling

v 2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour

v 2 cold tower per day during the tour

EXCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v Visa stamping fee

v Domestic air ticket with airport tax

v Int’l air tickets to / from Laos

v Travel Insurance in all kinds

v Meals: lunch or dinner where not stated

v Single room (quoted separately)

v Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others

ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD HOTEL

TADLO AREA = Tadlo Lodge (Standard Room)

KHONG ISLAND = Villa Muangkhong (Standard Room)

PAKSE = Pakse Hotel (Standard Room)

FIRST CLASS HOTEL

TADLO AREA = Tadlo Lodge (Standard Room)

KHONG ISLAND = Senesothxeun Hotel (Superior Room)

PAKSE = Champa Residence (Standard Room)

SUPERIOR HOTEL

TADLO AREA = Tadlo Lodge (Standard Room)

KHONG ISLAND = Senesothxeun Hotel (Superior Room)

PAKSE = Champasak Palace Hotel (Standard Room)