Tang Tai Pass See the southern highlights of Laos while starting and finishing in Bangkok.

Bangkok to Vientiane

Head to the Stray office in Bangkok in the early evening to collect your ticket and information on where to meet the group in Laos. Then catch a comfortable overnight VIP bus from Khao San Road to Nong Khai. In the morning you will cross over the Friendship Bridge to Vientiane and connect with a local bus that will bring you into the city.

Vientiane to Tad Leuk

We give you the morning to explore the capital city and the stalls along the banks of the Mekong, get some cash out and buy some comfort food before we head off the beaten track again and into the Phou Khao Khouay NPA. Before heading out of town, we stop to visit the COPE centre, which educates and raises awareness of the victims of UXO (Unexploded Ordinance). After stopping at local markets for supplies, we drive to Tad Leuk, where we camp between the waterfall and jungle and have the opportunity to swim, trek and maybe spot the rare Phu Wah Rock Lizzard found in only 3 places in the world (Tad Leuk is 1 of them and the other 2 are within 100 metres), as well as other wildlife like monkeys, snakes and rare butterflies that roam this rich national protected area.

Tad Leuk to Kong Lor (7km Cave)

An early departure means we arrive in Kong Lor in time to check into our guesthouse before heading down to the Cave (or Tham Kong Lor to the locals). We head into the abyss of the 7km cave cruising in a traditional motorised canoe to see amazing rock formations. This evening we chill out at our friendly guesthouse - with great views, great food and great company

Kong Lor to Thak kek

Today is a short travel day complete with a stop along the way at the “Great Wall of Tha Kek” before heading onto Pha Tam Kam, home of some of South-East Asia’s best rock climbing. We have the afternoon to explore, go slack lining, rock climbing and bike riding before heading back into town.

Highly recommended: Hop off in Thakek to explore local caves and the Khammouane Province

Tha Kek to Xe Champhone

This morning we head off the beaten track into Xe Champhone wetlands. This area is so remote, occasionally during wet season buses can't access it so we have to jump on board an off-road truck. Once here we spend the night with friendly locals in the Monkey forest- a sacred forest, home to hundreds of Rhesus Macaque Monkeys.

Xe Champhone to Pakse

We check out the Monkey Home Market in the morning before heading to the 200 year old Hotay Pidok Buddhist library then onto Turtle Lake where you can spot soft-shell turtles. Heading south we stop at Old Wat Taleow (a beautiful temple that was bombed in 1969) and onto Pakse. Spend the afternoon checking out the Bolaven Plateau, the coffee plantations and the 120m high twin waterfalls at Tad Fane.

Pakse to Don Det (4000 Islands)

We leave Pakse early to explore the second world heritage area, Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple. Then we head to the 4000 Islands to experience the idyllic laid back lifestyle. We arrive around lunchtime giving you plenty of time to cycle across to the neighboring Don Khone Island and visit Li Phi Waterfall or take a boat trip for a chance to see the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Don Det to Bangkok (via Pakse)

We leave Don Det early by local mini-van towards Pakse and then on to the Thai border and Ubon Ratchathani, where you board the overnight bus. Your Stray journey finishes when you arrive in Bangkok early the next morning.