Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau, sometimes spelt Bolovens and referred to by Laotians as Phu Phieng Bolaven, covers the northeast of Champasak Province in Southern Laos and spills into Salavan and Sekong as well.  The Bolaven Plateau is lush, picturesque and at 600 meters above sea level it also enjoys a cool and refreshing climate.  Courtesy of the French Indochina era and French Colonialism the Bolaven Plateau is also home to coffee, rubber and banana plantations and coffee remains the areas greatest export today.

There are many reasons to visit the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos not least for its natural beauty alone.  This is a remote, un-spoilt corner of Asia and the Bolaven Plateau, along with Southern Laos, is way beyond the trodden path of mass tourism in Southeast Asia.  One of the real highlights of the plateau are the hill tribes and ethnic groups that live there, including the Laven, Alak, Katu, Ta-oy (Tahoy) and Suay tribes, the Laven being the most dominant (Bolaven means ‘home of the Laven’).  Their world is one of Animist and Shaman beliefs and age-old customs that include their distinctively face-tattooed women.

The Bolaven Plateau offers dramatic and beautiful waterfalls such as Tad Fan waterfall, a must-see, and Tad Lo Waterfall.  Visit organic coffee plantations and learn how to roast coffee beans in a wok in the afternoon.  Go jungle trekking and elephant trekking and stumble upon ethnic hill tribe villages, waterfalls and pre-Angkor temple ruins. Explore Bolaven Plateau on Dirt Dikes for ultimate remote adventure.  This is just a taste of what the Bolaven Plateau offers but don’t expect to find luxury here; accommodation is very basic.  Get in touch with us for Laos Holidays, Indochina Holidays & trips to the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos.