What can you do in Bolaven Plateau in 2 days?

The Bolaven Plateau is one of the most captivating destinations in Southern Laos and two days are a minimum to discover all the cultural and natural riches of this region. Follow us on this two-day loop on the Bolaven Plateau punctuated by many surprises.

What is the Bolaven Plateau?

The Bolaven Plateau is located in the Southeast of Laos and extends over three provinces: Salavan, Sekong and mainly Champassak. The Bolaven Plateau has an average altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. It offers its visitors splendid landscapes of abundant primary forests, vegetable plantations, coffee, pepper and tea, green hills, vast expanses of rice fields, spectacular waterfalls and ethnic minority villages. Moreover, the Bolaven Plateau comes from the name of the majority ethnic group living there: the Laven.

The Bolaven, the main coffee region of Laos

Taking advantage of a temperate climate and fertile land, French colonists introduced coffee cultivation at the beginning of the 20th century. As a region massively bombed by the Americans during the Vietnam War, coffee cultivation resumed about thirty years ago. A multitude of small family plantations strive to cultivate a very famous coffee (arabica and robusta) that we invite you to taste during your trip to Laos in the Bolaven Plateau.

Your first day in the Bolaven Plateau

Depart Pakse, the largest city in Southern Laos, to head for Paksong, the coffee capital of the Bolaven Plateau. The road is good and gradually gains a little altitude. Along the road stretch some typical Laotian villages with their wooden houses on stilts. On the way, possibility of making a few stops to discover local crafts such as traditional forging, pottery, the manufacture of alcohol or brooms made from reed leaves. After only 35 kilometers, stop to discover the superb Tad Fan Falls which leap from the jungle for a majestic jump of more than 120 meters high. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, then don't hesitate to do the spectacular zip line that crosses the falls 3 times, absolutely dizzying!

A few kilometers from the Tad Fan Falls, meet the charming Mrs South, a perfectly English-speaking Laotian who owns a beautiful coffee, pepper and tea plantation. After walking around her plantation, you can taste all these natural products in her very cozy café. Not far from her home, you can even go there on foot, is the majestic Tad Yuang Falls.

Back on the road to go to the Sinouk Coffee Resort owned by one of the oldest families of coffee planters on the Bolaven Plateau. Check in to one of the comfortable rooms, decorated with local crafts, then visit the estate and the Arabica and Robusta coffee plantations. Night in this oasis of tranquility, nestled in the heart of the Bolaven.

Your 2nd day on the Bolaven plateau

You can have breakfast on the terrace opening onto a vast manicured garden then a short walk in the surroundings to discover the beautiful countryside. Back on the road towards Tad Lo with a few stops planned to discover some villages of the ethnic minorities who inhabit the region such as the Laven, Alak or Katu.

The village life of each of these ethnic groups is governed by very specific codes. Animists, the village square with the house of the genies where the buffalo sacrifice ceremonies take place is the center of spiritual and village life.

We then reach Tad Lo, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau, nestled in a wild natural setting. Lunch with a breathtaking view of this natural jewel. Possibility to cool off there if you feel like it. The road back to Pakse is featured stops to discover the rich ethnic crafts and to discover another natural wonder: the Tad Pha Suam Falls. The landscapes pass by, a succession of small villages, scenes of daily life such as herds of buffalo or cows that invade the road, children in uniform and single file going to school or women bent double in the rice fields busy replanting rice.

Best season:

It is best to do this loop in November and December, at the very beginning of the dry season. The weather is pleasant, not too hot, and nature and waterfalls are resplendent after being gorged with water during the rainy season. At this time, it is even advisable to bring a little wool for the slightly chilly evenings and mornings.

Related articles:

>> Kuang Si Falls, a haven of freshness near Luang Prabang

>> Visit Laos in 10 authentic experiences