Bolaven Plateau★★★
Southeast Asia's Coffee Paradise
The Bolaven Plateau (ພູພຽງບໍລະເວນ) rises 1,000–1,350 m above the Mekong lowlands and offers a cool climate, red earth, lush vegetation, and the best coffee in Southeast Asia. The plateau was once developed by the French as a coffee-growing area — today, hundreds of small farmers produce world-class Arabica and Robusta coffee.
Coffee Plantations
- Jhai Coffee House: Fairtrade coffee project with a tour of the plantation and tasting. Learn everything from cultivation to roasting.
- Sinouk Coffee Resort: Luxurious plantation with its own hotel, restaurant, and breathtaking views. Plantation tour included.
- Mr. Vieng's Organic Farm: Small organic farm with a personal tour of the cultivation — as authentic as it gets.
Waterfalls
The plateau is crisscrossed by rivers that plunge over the edges in spectacular waterfalls:
- Tad Fane: The most dramatic waterfall in Laos — two parallel streams plunge 120 m into a jungle gorge. A viewpoint (free) offers the best view. Zipline over the gorge for adrenaline junkies (400,000 LAK).
- Tad Yuang: 40 m high, wide waterfall surrounded by coffee plantations. Swimming in the pool below is possible. 10,000 LAK entrance fee.
- Tad Lo: Several cascades near the village of the same name, which is a popular overnight stop. Village homestays, elephant camp (ethically questionable — inform yourself beforehand).
- Tad Champi & Tad Gneuang: Less visited falls, perfect for explorers.
Bolaven Loop
The Bolaven Loop is one of the most popular motorcycle routes in Southeast Asia: a circuit over the plateau (approx. 350 km for the large loop, 200 km for the small one). 2–4 days by motorcycle or scooter, past waterfalls, coffee plantations, ethnic villages (Katu, Alak, Suay), and through breathtaking landscapes.
- Motorcycle rental in Pakse: 80,000–120,000 LAK/day (automatic scooter) or 150,000 LAK (semi-automatic)
- Accommodation in guesthouses along the route: 50,000–100,000 LAK
💡 Tipp
The "Small Bolaven Loop" (200 km, 2 days) is doable even for inexperienced scooter riders — the roads are well-paved. The "Large Loop" (350 km, 3–4 days) has unpaved sections. Fill up the scooter at every opportunity — gas stations are rare. And try the Lao coffee with sweet condensed milk — addictive!
