• Many species of high elevation birds are resident around Tad Fane so we will rise early to try spotting them. (Good binoculars come in handy here)

• After a monster pancake breakfast we will set off on a hike through a beautiful forest to visit Tad Yeuang, a spectacular waterfall where students will be both dwarfed by its size and drenched in its mist. We will also take time here to swim in the river pools above the falls.

•  It’s only an hour drive from the falls to the shores of the Mekong River which we will cross on an antiquated ferry to reach the west bank and the ancient site of Champasak.

• Checking into our guesthouse on the banks of the Mekong, we will enjoy a delicious lunch before we set off by bicycles down the quiet lanes of Champasak to view Wat Phu, a pre-Ankorian temple that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Wat Phu is a magical place, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Set up against a sacred mountain, and with commanding views of the countryside, it is easy to lose oneself here in your imagination.

• Naga images figure prominently at this 2,000-year old site and it is here students will start documenting the cultural mysteries of the region.

• Returning from Wat Phu we will take our time cycling the 5km back to our lodge. The round trip bike journey of 10km will be good practice for the 25 km cycling day we will undertake a few days later in Cambodia.

• Following a delicious dinner at our riverside restaurant we will have a group candle circle under the stars where we can share tales of our day’s adventures.

Overnight: Souchittra Guesthouse – Champasak, Laos