Crossing the border into the rural but scenic countryside of Southern Laos from Thailand, one would normally not expect to find anything more than paddy fields, farm animals and the odd village. Compared to the northern part of this landlocked country, fewer tourists venture all the way here despite the presence of several attractions, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I was pleasantly surprised to hear about a resort in these parts that many have raved about – I first knew about it through a fellow traveler who stayed there some years back. During my short visit to Laos, I finally got to witness what all the buzz was about.
The River Resort is a serene sanctuary located between Pakse, the largest town in the south and Vat Phou, the prime attraction this side of Laos. This makes the resort an excellent base for exploring the Vat Phou temple and for excursions to the Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don. I got here by hiring a songthaew from the bus station in Pakse where I was dropped off from my bus ride from Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand.
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