Itinerary

Days 1 - 2 ~ Pakse to Khong Island via Wat Phou

Wat Phou ruins

Board the boat in the small Southern Lao city of Pakse. Cruise along unspoiled parts of the Mekong River to Champassak, a quiet provincial town with some lovely colonial architecture. After lunch, explore the ruins of Wat Phou, which date back to the 10th century, and after which the boat is named. Continue your relaxing cruise downriver and enjoy a stunning sunset on board. Dinner is served on the deck whilst the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village. The next day sail to the village of Huei Thamo and walk through the countryside to the spectacular hidden forest temple of Oum Moung. Explore the ruins before rejoining the boat and cruising into the 4,000 Islands region. Arrive this afternoon at the largest island, Don Khong, and visit the traditional village of Ban Dua Tae before another dinner on board.

Day 3 ~ Khonephapheng Falls & Return to Pakse

This morning dock at the small village of Ban Veuthong where you will board a longtail boat to Khone Island. Explore its wooden houses, friendly villages and peaceful temples. Return to the mainland for lunch before driving to the widest waterfall in Southeast Asia, Khone Phapeng. This is lovingly referred to as the 'Niagara of the East' and was what stopped the French from using the Mekong River to trade throughout Indochina. Finally, drive back to Pakse (around two hours) arriving back in the late afternoon.

Inclusions

2 nights accommodation on board the Wat Phou Rice Barge in a private airconditioned cabin with en-suite facilities, breakfast daily, two dinners and three lunches, local English-speaking guide, transport and entrance fees. Please note that the boat sometimes travels upstream. Note also that transfers to and from the boat pier are not included and must be booked separately.