Today we leave Thick to pass 2 days complete on the Bolovens plateau in the province of Champasak in Southern Laos. About 50 km north-east of Pakse, this high-altitude plateau (1 m) is one of the most fertile regions of Laos. It is, among other things, the coffee capital which represents an important economy for the locals.
How to get from Pakse to the Bolovens plateau?
Again, we enlisted the services of the receptionist at our hotel in Pakse to help us find a private transport for 2 days in the Bolovens. Mr. SOULOT (+856 30 54 51 866) offers us, via the Phou Phaeng Bolaven Travel Co, a van with private driver for 130 USD for 2 days. Which brings down the day to 65 USD for 4 or 15 € per person per day for a spacious and air-conditioned van: it was simply PERFECT!
Note that it also has the possibility of making a day trip from Pakse with the Pakse Travel Co. agency which is located in front of the Friend Ship Mini Mark supermarket:

Another option would have been to rent scooters (Miss Nay Motorbikes) but, as we didn't have too much time, didn't want to struggle on more or less muddy tracks, didn't want to organize luggage logistics, parking, GPS ... we preferred the comfort of a large van.
Which loop in the Bolovens Plateau?
On site, I was able to photograph the map which corresponded exactly to the loop we did in 2 days in the Bolavens:

What to see in the Bolaven?
Throughout the 2 days in the Bolaven (as they say in Laos) we will go from waterfalls to waterfalls, we will visit a coffee plantation and meet a minority ethnic group from Laos: the Katous or Katus.
The waterfalls of the Bolovens plateau
There are about twenty waterfalls on the plateau. Our small loop did not allow us to reach the Tad Tayicsua which would be the most beautiful according to some blogs. So we decided to discover those that were on the small loop: Tad Hang, Tad Lo, Tad Soung, Tad Yuang, Tad Champi and Tad Fan.
If it is undeniable that the waterfalls are all beautiful and refreshing, I must admit that we were a little fed up with all these waterfalls ... One higher than the others, the other wider or even one more furnished ... 6 waterfalls in 2 days was more than enough for us!

Ban Kok Phoung Taï - The Katu village
Here is one of the best moments we spent in Laos: discovering the Katous in this small village of Ban Kok Phoung Tai and 2 French who settled there more or less temporarily.
Our first contact with this ethnic group was a bit by chance when we stopped in their food market where we bought some fruit. What first surprised me was this long and big bamboo pipe that all Katu (men, women, children and the elderly) smoke.


Then we advance to the village, passing through a sort of checkpoint where we pay a small "tourist tax" of a few cents. We were hoping to find coffee to buy and were far from thinking that we would find a real ethnic minority village in all its authenticity.
What a great surprise to see this population who seemed happy living apart, according to their customs, with their traditions and speaking their own dialect.

Following a sign (see below), we are greeted by Mr. SOMPHENE and 2 French people who offer us a little coffee.

We discuss a little about Laos, about Mr. SOMPHENE and about the new life of Sophie who currently lives in this small village with the Katous. A professional photographer, she has decided to leave everything behind to travel the world by bike. I invite you to discover his blog: A dream, a parenthesis.
We understand that Mr. SOMPHENE wishes to welcome more tourists to his home. He has a few rooms to rent in his homestay. Of rudimentary comfort, this type of accommodation could interest tourists seeking to immerse themselves in a different culture and to be in contact with a people and its customs. It is an opportunity that is becoming increasingly rare ...
Coffee plantation in the Bolaven
The altitude, climate and soil fertility of the plateau favor the cultivation of coffee (introduced by the French in 1920). We stop for a tasting and bring back the backpack full!

My cheap hotel on the Bolovens plateau
In a dream setting, lost in tropical vegetation, the Falls View Resort enchanted me. For a very small price of 27 € with breakfast included, the rooms are spacious and well equipped.
Follow me now to 4 islands...
Hello,
I am looking for a Driver for our stay at Plateau de Bolaven.
Do you have the contact details for Phou Phaeng Bolaven Travel Co?
Yours.
Rafaela
Hello,
As I indicate in the article, it was Mr. SOULOT (+856 30 54 51 866) who put us in contact with our private driver.
Hoping that you can contact him perhaps by whatsapp.
Hello,
I read your article with interest, can you give me the name of Mr. SOMPHENE's homestay in Laos?
I am crossing the border to go to Laos and I am looking for this kind of place ☺️ in advance thank you,
Coline
Hello Coline,
The homestay has no name. It is indicated in the village as Homestay of M. SOMPHENE. I do not have telephone coordinates. On the other hand, I think you can contact Sophie via Facebook who may be able to provide you with information:
https://unreveuneparenthese.com/