LAOS-SOUTHERN PROVINCES

SOUTHERN GREEN PARADISE

THE SOUTHERN GREEN PARADISE PROVINCES

ATTAPEU, CHAMPAAK, SALAVAN, SEKONG

PEOPLE & PLACES

Historic temples and sacred stupid stand proudly in many of the region’s town centers , laying testament to its former empires and economic affluence. The remains of possibly the first urban settlement in Southeast Asia dating back to the 7^th century can be found at the base of the Vat Phou Temple Complex, a UNESCO WORLD HERTAG historian SITE. Of interest to war historians is the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which spans the country’s eastern border with Vietnam from Khammouane down to Attapeu. Aong 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 (lab paa). In the eastern plateaus are mountain communities of MonKhmer origins,  best known for their intricate cotton textiles and communal long houses. The major festival of the south is the Vat Phou Festival in Champasak Province.

GEOGRAPHY & NATURE

The geography and nature of the south is extremely diverse. There are the Bolaven Plateau, well known for its coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls and cool climate ; the Dakcheung Plateau and Annamite Mountains where new mammal species are being discovered by science each and the 4000 Mekong River Islands with expansive wetlands, world class rapids and riverside beaches. 6 of the country’s twenty national protected areas ( NPA) are in the south, which hold some of the most biologically important areas in the world. Most notably is the Xe Pian NPA with its rich wetland environment and river system inhabited by some of rare migratory and endemic bird species.

INTERNATIONA; BORDER CROSSINGS

Pakse International Airport

Champasak Province (Nong Nok Khian )- Cambodia (Pra Preng Krian)

Champadak Province (Vang Tao) –Thailand (Chong Mek)

Attapeu Province (Phou Keua)- Vietnam (BO-Y)

Suggested Routes:

Typical (1-2 weeks)

Vientiaane –Khammouane –Savannakhet –Champassak

Off the beaten Track( 2-3 weeks)

Savannakhet –Champassak –Salavan-Sekong –Attapeu

South to North (4 weeks)

Champasak (Via Thailand or Cambodia) –Salavan –Khammouane –Vientiane –Luang Namtha –Bokeo