Bolaven Plateau
Pakse, Laos
Towering over the rest of the country, the high-altitude Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is a breath of fresh air. The landscapes of this blissfully cool region comprise lush coffee plantations, waterfalls, and fertile soil from which fragrant bounties such as tea, fruit, and cardamom grow. The Bolaven Plateau is also home to several hill tribe villages, which makes for a rich cultural experience.
The basics
The region’s top attraction is undoubtedly the twin 330-foot (100-meter) Tad Fane Waterfall, part of the Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area—the natural park is home to elephants, sun bears, monkeys, and even tigers. The Bolaven Plateau is also a great place to learn about Laos' ethnic minorities, who still live according to ancient traditions. Tours typically depart from Pakse, including stops at a coffee plantation, the local village, and the waterfalls.
Things to know before you go
The Bolaven Plateau’s high-altitude location means it can drop cold at night—bring plenty of layers if you stay overnight.
The Bolaven Plateau is world-famous for its coffee, so leave some room in your bag to buy some Robusta or Arabica beans sold throughout the region.
If you’re exploring the Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area, wear sturdy hiking shoes and take plenty of mosquito repellent.
How to get there
The gateway to the Bolaven Plateau is the city of Pakse, which is famous for its French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. The city has an international airport, which is around an hour’s drive to Dong Hua Sao—public transport to the park is long-winded and requires you to change at the town of Sekong, so visiting as part of a tour is recommended.
When to get there
To witness the Bolaven Plateau at its greenest and lushest, visit during the wet season from July through October—this is when the Tad Fane Waterfall is most powerful. However, the rain could scupper your hiking plans. From October to February, you can enjoy freshly harvested coffee in the dry season.
Explore Laos’ 4,000 Islands
Another highlight of southern Laos is the Si Phan Don archipelago, best known as the 4,000 Islands due to the number of islands scattered across the Mekong Delta near the border with Cambodia. It’s the ideal place to escape the bustle of modern-day life—some parts don’t even have electricity. Don Det is the central place to stay, home to many hostels and riverside bungalows.
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