PAKSE EXPERIENCE TOUR

[Vombatus]

More details to follow but here is a flavour of our upcoming tour:-

[Vombatus]

A few more details:-


PAKSE EXPERIENCE TOUR - 23rd to 26th JULY 2012
 


Prakhonchai Expat Services are pleased to present our new tour venue. We will be travelling to Pakse - “The Jewel of Southern Laos".  The price of 5995 Baht per person (based on 2 people sharing a Superior room) includes return minibus travel from Prakhonchai to Pakse and 3 nights, plus buffet breakfast, in the Champasak Palace 3 star hotel.  Also included are a full day tour by minibus of the Bolaven Plateau (admission included but not lunch), and a full day tour to Wat Phou a 5th century ancient city, lunch in Champasak (cost not included) with return  to Pakse by boat. 
 
23 July 07.00 Leave Prakhonchai (pick up available on the 24) - There will be a 15 minute break en-route with 7/11 facilities at circa 9am - arrive hotel around 13.00.

24 July 9.30 Depart for Bolaven Plateau, to visit coffee and tea plantations, minority tribes and several amazing waterfalls.

25 July 9.30- Trip to Wat Phou, by minibus an ancient city dating back to the 5th century. Return to Pakse by long tail boat.

26 July 9.30 Depart hotel - arrive Prakhonchai approx 15.00. There are excellent duty free provisions at the Chong Mek border.
 
The itinerary allows time on the day of arrival to discover Pakse and perhaps visit the silk weavers in Ban Saphai and Done Kho. Alternatively, you may wish to relax with a glass or 2 of Beer Lao available from around 40 Baht a large bottle!

Champasak Place hotel is situated some 15 minutes walk from the centre. This is a former palace built for the King of Southern Laos, who fled into exile before able to take up residence. The rooms are well-appointed with wonderful views. Highly recommended although no pool   http://www.champasakpalacehotel-pakse.com   It should be noted that after around 8pm there are unlikely to be any tuk tuks/taxis or other forms of transport, and if desired, it would be best to arrange with the hotel well in advance
 
As an alternative there is the 4 star Champasak Grand Hotel, situated on the bank of the Mekong River with pool, excellent river views and a nice outdoor restaurant overlooking the river.  Excellent buffet breakfast. Drinks are surprisingly cheap here.  http://www.champasak-grand-hotel.com  Staying at this hotel would increase the per person price by 500bt. NB. Hotel is on the edge of Pakse and with the lack of transportation at night, it would be essential to arrange this with reception before venturing far.
 There is very little nightlife in Pakse for. Whilst there are plenty of Laos bars along the river these are similar to the Thai variety, and may not appeal to all westerners, although some Thai wives may enjoy. Apart from a beergarden near the main town centre, most tourists eat and drink in small restaurants or hotels. The Pakse Hotel has a rooftop restaurant commanding good views over Pakse with good food prepared by a French chef. Most places close by 11pm or before.
 
Foreigners require a visa available at the border which for most nationalities costs $35 (Swedish more!). Those with Visa extensions will need to obtain a re-entry permit in advance. Thai citizens require a passport with minimum 6 months remaining.  No visa required. Currency is Lao Kip (approx 250kip/1 baht) but Thai baht is freely accepted and there is no need to exchange into Kip. ATM’s dispense Kip (with 150 Baht charge + 100 Baht own bank charge).
 
Contact: prakhonchaiexpats@gmail.com or call Nick 0817578534 or Ray 0860377468

         

[TBWG]

HI

When in Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau be sure you have coffee at Koffi's.  He is an old Thai hand having lived in Satuk for many years.

http://www.paksong.info/laos_coffee_workshop.php


Also I would recommend coming back via Tat Lo a great place for beer and lunch.  See Pic


TBWG

[Vombatus]

Is there a go-kart track there or are the old tyres for some other purpose ? 

[CO-CO]

Re: Indian restaurants for the Buriram Builder:-


Closer to the river on Road 13 you'll find two Indian restaurants duking it out for business -- the long-time favourite, the Jasmin Restaurant, offers Indian and Malay cuisine and Indian breads at reasonable prices. The upstart Nazim Restaurant has opened up in the Phonesavanh Hotel lobby three doors down, offering a similar menu and slightly lower prices, drawing in a steady custom. The owner came here after his restaurant in Phuket, Thailand was wiped out by the tsunami. Unlike the Jasmin, there's a bonafide Indian cook here and we found this made a difference -- the meat dishes are much better than at Jasmin, though the veggie dishes at the latter are comprable. Both also serve non-Indian breakfasts, and open early to feed the morning bus crowds before they board.


Only the Jasmine features on Trip Advisor.