CENTRAL & SOUTH

Attapeu, Champasak, Khammouane, Salavanh, Savannakhet, Sekong

The history of the south goes back to the age of dinosaurs, as indicated by fossils found in Savannakhet Province. Historic temples and sacred stupas stand proudly in many of the region's town centers, laying testament to its former empires and economic affluence. The remains of possibly the fist urban settlement in Southeast Asia dating back to the 5th century can be found at the base of the Vat Phou Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The south is also the birthplace of many modern-day national leaders, including Kaysone Phomvihane, first Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and co-founder of the Lao PDR. Of interest to war historians is the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which spans the country's eastern border with Viet Nam from Khammounae down to Attapeu. Along the Mekong River are fishing communities known for their relaxed pace of life and distinct cuisine, such as fermented fish (paa dek) and fish salad (laab paa). In the eastern plateaus are mountain communities of Mon-Khmer origins, known for their intricate cotton textiles and communal long houses. In Khammouane and Savannakhet Provinces are the Phou Tai people who make distinctive silk and cotton weavings. The major festivals of the south include the Vat Phou Festival in Champasak Province, the Sikhotthabong Festival in Khammouane Province, and the That Ing Hang Festival in Savannakhet Province.

The geography and nature of the south is extremely diverse. There are the limestone karst formations in Khammouane Province with an extensive network of caves. The Bolaven Plateau is well known for its coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls and cool climate. At the Dakcheung Plateau and Annamite Mountains new species are being discovered by science each year. You can also visit the 4,000 Mekong River Islands (Si Pan Don) with expansive wetlands, world class rapids and riverside beaches. Eleven of the country's national protected areas (NPA) are in the south, which hold some of the most biologically important areas in the world. Most notable are the Nakai-Nam Teun forests and Xe Pian's rich wetland environment and river system inhabited by rare migratory and endemic bird species.

" Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)" Cambodia (Dong Calor) - Champasak Province (Veun Kham)" Thailand (Chong Mek) - Champasak Province (Vang Tao)" Thailand (Nakhon Phanom) - Khammouane Province (Thakhaek)" Thailand (Mukdahan) - Savannakhet Province (Savannakhet)" Viet Nam (Lao Bao) - Savannakhet Province (Dene Savanh)" Viet Nam (Chalo) - Khammouane Province (Na Phao)

Typical (1-2 Weeks)Vientiane Capital - Khammouane - Savannakhet - Champasak

Off-The-Beaten Track (2-3 Weeks) Vientiane Capital - Khammouane - Savannakhet - Champasak - Salavanh - Sekong - Attapeu - Champasak

South to North (4 weeks)Champasak - Salavanh - Khammouane - Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Luang Namtha - Bokeo

Provinces

People & Places

Geography & Nature

International Border Crossings

Suggested Routes