Vientiane Tour: Wat Phu & Bolaven Plateau – An In-Depth Review

Okay, so you’re pondering about taking a 2-day private tour from Vientiane to Wat Phu and the Bolaven Plateau? You, like your truly inquisitive, adventure-loving folks, probably want the inside scoop, too, that’s totally sensible! Let’s get real about this tour, okay? We are talking about what you get, what you can expect, and ultimately, is that trip a good fit for your precious travel time, that’s the important question!

The Allure of Wat Phu

Wat Phu, which is an old Khmer temple complex located in southern Laos, is a highlight. Arguably, it predates Angkor Wat, but honestly it offers a distinct and unique spiritual experience. Getting there from Vientiane is nearly a full day’s drive, so bear that in mind. On that trip you get a comfortable private vehicle which is already a good thing. It’s more or less your air-conditioned sanctuary against the Southeast Asian heat, you know. You may want to be prepared for a longer ride. That ride provides scenes of rural Laos. Laos reveals what’s its beauty inch by inch.

Once you get to Wat Phu, prepare for that captivating experience. The temple is at the base of a mountain, just that imposing staircase up gives you a good work out. As I was saying, climbing it’s so worth the amazing views and the history dripping from every stone. Is that you’re one to enjoy some exploring around old spots? And are you into places with ancient vibes? This will probably float your boat, just a little, seriously.

Remember though, like I mentioned, it’s a long day. The driving is substantial. But for what it is worth if you value ancient sites and are prepared for that travel, that’s an experience you’ll cherish, virtually!

Exploring the Bolaven Plateau

Next up is the Bolaven Plateau, that’s the part that provides the natural beauty, basically. If you’re into waterfalls and coffee (and who isn’t, am I right?), the Bolaven Plateau is one trip that will feel special. It’s so different compared to the temples of Vientiane or the ancient ruins. You get this lush, green landscape, fresher air and just beautiful views.

Now the waterfalls, these are definitely some spectacular experiences. Especially worth to mention are Tad Fane and Tad Yuang which were easily highlights of this trip. Imagine cascading water plunging into lush jungle, that imagery would easily leave you feeling refreshed! Just slightly plan for that hiking and maybe swimming, depending on what waterfall that is you’re visiting. These options can require you a bit more effort!

Okay, so coffee farms on the Plateau should be included on your travel! This is because this region is known for some high-quality Arabica coffee, anyway, a coffee tour and tasting can happen, depending on your provider, right? Are you able to find some smaller, family-run plantations? Those will offer a more personal experience, and that would definitely get a local boost too.

Accommodation and Comfort

You know when you’re booking any tour, lodging needs to be comfortable after all the exploring, right? It would often tend to be simple, clean accommodations on these type tours in Pakse. Now do check those inclusions, that being said. It is really a hotel with a private bathroom or might it be a guesthouse that comes equipped with basic stuff. Anyway confirm it will provide you some space where you can stretch out after a long day hiking, you know.

It might be helpful that you pack light. Think comfortable walking shoes which can come handy. In that case layers of clothing is arguably another advantage, you see, particularly if the weather is acting strangely. Are there some insects that can get at you? Having insect repellent available would be a bonus. And for what is worth I always pack some wet wipes for that inevitable dusty experience you always encounter on those backroads! That’s my piece of recommendation, anyway.

Is a Private Tour Worth It?

Is going the private tour route worth those extra costs? I mean here are what you need to weigh on: a private tour is like your exclusive party, right? Do you like flexibility? Is it that you have any interests or maybe not so keen on waterfalls, and just prefer old things? On this trip a private tour can morph the schedule. That would definitely be helpful for what it offers.

Here’s another advantage; it can take away the stress of herding yourselves on those larger group excursions. You may want to consider this since you can go with what suits your speed, it’s actually an advantage, like your photography stops. Private tours often tend to include a guide, who are always so very knowledgeable! A guide is like this key that helps you dig into what’s local, as I was just about to tell you. Guides are really cool that way, and just help you uncover these stories in old sites, like your Wat Phu and can teach you a little or some insights on culture, lifestyle, local people!

There’s also some drawbacks. The prices tend to run a bit steeper. Now you may just want to balance up all of that exclusivity, some experiences and benefits relative that group tour. It all will eventually simmer down to travel tastes and, that important one, your pocketbook! So there is definitely an individual balancing act.

Things to Consider Before Booking

Okay, some really quick reminders prior booking, I guess. You are always better off knowing what is included and what’s not. You might want to ask if the prices include tickets, some drinks, those lunches, anything, obviously. Is that lunch excluded? Anyway, those costs pile up!

See how your provider approaches sustainability, is that they care or what? Your actions in exploring this area, and their company approach will affect it right? Using local services or like what practices those tour businesses practice that affects communities in general will help, in short. If they also get local engagement right.

Does anyone offer support? Having a reliable provider with solid reviews or that quickly gives help in your booking reassures what’s available when that unexpected occurs. It helps, honestly, to find such business, I believe.

Ultimately, a 2-day private tour of Wat Phu and the Bolaven Plateau would very probably be worthwhile when you enjoy immersing on ancient places, chasing down falls and tasting this bean called coffee, yet? Do prepare yourself for travel times. You should know that the prices can be very high too. Private can be for travel styles. Make just sure your company meshes what you look forward to doing!