{"id":17306,"date":"2018-11-27T00:00:20","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T00:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exotravel.com\/blog\/?p=17306"},"modified":"2019-01-08T08:45:54","modified_gmt":"2019-01-08T08:45:54","slug":"exo-explores-pakse-the-south-laos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exotravel.com\/blog\/en\/exo-explores-pakse-the-south-laos\/","title":{"rendered":"EXO Explores – Pakse & The South, Laos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previously overshadowed by bigger hitting destinations further north, the southern section of Laos is coming into its own as a magnet for tourists.<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

From the limestone karsts and dense forests of the Phou Hin Boun NPA (National Protected Area) to the coffee plantations and roaring waterfalls of the verdant Bolaven Plateaux, southern Laos is prime territory for nature lovers who relish deviating from the beaten path. The landscapes brim with potential for derring-do with prime activities including motorcycle odysseys into the wilderness or kayaking or rafting amidst pristine nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

There’s also plenty of scope to ease things down to the more familiar laid-back pace of life in Laos. A good spot to indulge in such a recharge is Si Pan Don. Better known as the 4000 Islands, this riverine archipelago hard by the border with Cambodia offers palm fringes islands set against a lazy and winding section of the Mekong River.<\/span><\/p>\n

Si Phan Don is not the only Mekong River attraction worth diverting to in the southernmost Champasak province of Laos. The beautiful island of Don Daeng, directly opposite Champasak town, is ideal for exploration by means of pedal power and is close to Wat Phou, a UNESCO-listed pre-Angkorian temple that is arguably the most impressive religious relic in Laos.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mekong River towns of southern Laos make great bases for exploration of the area. The regional hub, Pakse, is relaxed, while Champasak offers charming colonial architecture as well as several acclaimed riverside boutique boltholes.<\/span><\/p>\n

FEATURED TRIP<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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TREASURES OF SOUTHERN LAOS<\/a> (4 DAYS \/ 3 NIGHTS)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Southern Laos is a natural playground for the intrepid traveler, with hills and waterways prime for exploring. Trek to pristine waterfalls and through villages untouched by time, stopping to meet friendly locals on the way. Take a boat trip among the ‘4000 Islands’ of the southern Mekong River to seek out the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin.<\/span><\/p>\n

HIGHLIGHTS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n