The geography and nature of Southern Laos is extremely diverse. The Bolaven Plateau is well known for its coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls and cool climate. The ancient Vat Phou Temple complex in Champasak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an exceptional archaeological site originating from the 6th century. The 4,000 Mekong river islands feature extensive wetlands, world class rapids and riverside beaches.

Read also: Things to do in Champasak, Laos

Table of Content

1. Vat Phou, Champasak
2. Tad Lo Waterfall, Salavanh
3. Coffee Plantation, Bolaven Plateau
4. Ban Khan Don, Sekong
5. Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Champasak
6. Nong Fa Lake, Attapeu
7. 4,000 Islands, Si Phan Don

Top Attractions in Southern Laos

Top Attractions in Southern Laos

Vat Phou, Champasak

Vat Phou Temple is a surprisingly well-preserved 1,000-year-old complex . It was designed to depict the Hindu vision of the harmonious connection between nature and humanity, with a 10-kilometer-long geometric pattern of temples, shrines, and waterworks laid out along an axis from mountain top to river bank. The property also includes two proposed settlements on the banks of the Mekong River, as well as Phou Kao Mountain. The overall development took place across the 5th to 15th century and is primarily linked with the Khmer Empire.

Vat Phou temple in Champasak is a must-see in Southern Laos

Tad Lo Waterfall, Salavanh

The Tad Lo Waterfalls is one of Loas' most beautiful spots, drawing visitors from all around the country. It is made up of three different falls known as Tad Suong, Tad Hang, and Tad Lo. Tad Hang is ideal for swimming, while its two siblings are ideal for a picturesque outing. The western bank of the river that generates the waterfalls has a rough footpath that is ideal for wildlife photography.

Tad Lo Waterfall in Salavanh, Southern Laos

Coffee Plantation, Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven plateau in southern Laos boasts extraordinarily fertile soil at high altitudes that is ideal for growing coffee. It is a coffee farmer's utopia for the cultivation of crops. The old volcanic ash has created thick soil with essential elements that makes the coffee incredible. Laos' Robusta is considered among of the greatest in the world because it is cultivated at an altitude of nearly 900 metres above sea level, as opposed to the customary 600 metres.

Coffee Plantation at Bolaven Plateau, Southern Laos

Ban Khan Don, Sekong

Sekong remains largely undiscovered, with limited access due to its heavily forested mountains. Culture seekers who travel from Pakse to Ban Khan Don can experience the traditional lifestyles of the Katu, Alak, and Ngae ethnic groups by taking a riverboat trip or joining an organised tour.

Ban Khan Don is a multi-ethnic village located between Sekong and Salavan. The village is named after the Khan Don river. The age-long artefacts displayed within the community house here will astound you. We recommend booking a village tour in English to learn more about the purpose and narrative behind the artefacts.

Ban Khan Don in Sekong is a must-visit destination in southern Laos

Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Champasak

Being the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, the Khone Phapheng Waterfall is frequently referred to by locals as the pearl of the Mekong. It is one of the most stunning sights in Southern Laos, as millions of litres of water cascade over a series of waterfalls. It is only 13 kilometres from the Cambodian border and 150 kilometres south of Pakse along Route 13. You can take a minivan, a car, or a tour to get there.

Khone Phapheng Waterfall in Champasak, southern Laos

Nong Fa Lake, Attapeu

Nong Fa Lake, also known as the Nongphatom Lake, is a volcanic crater lake located in the mountains of Sanxay District at Attapeu, within the Dong Ampham National Biodiversity Conservation Area. It is about 12 kilometres from the Vietnamese border. Set amid tranquil natural splendour and surrounded by mountain peaks, this pristine lake boasts sky blue water all year.

Beautiful Nong Fa Lake in Attapeu

4,000 Islands, Si Phan Don

Si Phan Don, which translates to "four thousand Islands," is a one-of-a-kind river archipelago located near the Cambodian border on the Mekong River. It is a place to relax and begin a new rhythm of life. Immerse yourself in the local way of life by cycling through traditional fishing villages or walking through rice terraces to see the breathtaking waterfalls. Kayak down the Mekong to catch a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins, or simply rest in a hammock during magical sunsets.

4,000 Islands or Si Phan Don in Southern Laos

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