5 PM Located high on Salao Hill, the impressive Phou Salao Golden Buddha offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mekong River, Pakse City, the Bolaven Mountains, and Friendship Bridge. A perfect way to end a brilliant day: explore the complex, take in the incredible views, then relax in front of the Giant Golden Buddha Statue and enjoy a majestic sun set over the Mekong River. Entrance is free.
DAY 2 7.30 AM Enjoy a breakfast of local noodle soups, salads, and freshly made French pastries and baguettes.
8.30 AM Start heading south along route 13 toward the tranquil and beautiful Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) archipelago and Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in South East Asia.
10.30 AM Arrive at Nakasang port village and arrange a boat to Hua Det (Northern tip of Don Det island. Tickets cost 15,000 kip per person). There, you can hire a bicycle (10,000 kip) or 12
motorbike (80,000 kip) for a few hours and explore the authentic and peaceful villages, the beautiful views of the Mekong river, the islands, and the Cambodian mountains. Head along the sunrise side of Don Det Island until you get to the old French bridge to Don Khone Island.
12.30 PM Li Phi Waterfall at Don Khone is a very peaceful area where you can enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of Mekong ďŹ sh, sticky rice, and salad while enjoying the gorgeous falls and countryside. Entrance fee 35,000 kip per person.
1.30 PM Head to the very southern point of Laos, Hang Khone (Southern Don Khone Island). There you can hire a boat to explore the waters between Laos and Cambodia. Take in the scenery as you try to spot the rare fresh water Irrawaddy dolphin and the local wildlife. 60,000 kip for a 1 hour boat trip.
3 PM Make your way to Don Khone village where you can organise a boat back to Nakasang port village. Once in Nakasang, travel back to route 13 and head further south about 20 minutes along to Khone Phapheng Falls.
