Full Day Crossing the Bolaven Plateau
Full Day Crossing
the Bolaven Plateau
The elevated position of the Bolaven Plateau is bringing forward a unique set of natural landmarks
and cultural aspects. Laos’ sole region is a paradise for coffee enthusiasts as well
home to some of the country’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls.
WHY THIS TOUR?
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.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 15:00
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.
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. 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.
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.
