Fodor's Expert Review Bolaven Plateau Loop

Travel around the Bolaven Plateau is unique in Laos due to its high altitude and cooler climate, and the sights focus primarily on waterfalls and coffee. The typical way to see the area is via the so-called Small Loop (200 km or 124 miles) or the Large Loop (320 km or 199 miles). The small loop, described here, is quite nice if your time is short: After your initial 35 km (22 mile) climb on a well-paved tollway, you'll arrive at a spot with several waterfalls. Tad Fane is the one mentioned most often for its lovely view of twin waterfalls dropping over a high cliff and potential ziplining for the brave ( greendiscoverylaos.com/tours/fly-at-tad-fane  021/264528). Tad E-tu is also nearby and has some decent accommodation. Tad Yeuang is just a little farther and has a local market, a scenic restaurant, and some unique photo spots. Paksong is the largest town on the Bolaven Plateau with a few basic accommodation options and some lovely cafes.

Head northwest past several organic farms, including Yamamoto Farm ( fb.com/yamamotofarmlaos  030/957–5237) where visitors can pick (and eat) strawberries in the winter, then continue north to Sinouk Coffee Resort ( suansinouk.com  030/955–8960), probably the nicest (and priciest) hotel on the plateau. Farther north still is Captain Hook Homestay ( fb.com/hook.23  020/989–30406), where you can learn about the Katu ethnic group on day tours or stay overnight. Tad Lo is a series of three waterfalls with a village full of guesthouses.

Continuing southwest, Mr. Vieng Coffee & Homestay ( 020/998–37206) can give you a look at organic farming and a coffee tasting. The final waterfall on this route is Tad Pha Souam, stunning in its own right, before the route returns to Pakse.