The waterfalls in Laos are beautiful and they should be high on the bucket list of any visitor to this stunning country.
Dramatic cascades of water, deep sapphire blue plunge pools and exhilarating rapids are always stunning. So, whether you’d prefer to hike off the beaten track in search of the sound of roaring water or picnic in cabanas next to swimmable aquamarine shallows these beauties are six of the best waterfalls that Laos has been blessed with.
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Kuang Si Falls is the busiest in Laos thanks to their beauty and the opportunity to play! There are several pools to swim and relax in and a trail on either side of the falling water so you can enjoy the wonderful view of the dense forest from the top.
These turquoise waters are 20 miles from Luang Prabang and escape from the noise and heat of the city can be achieved by booking a minivan tour or hiring a private Tuk Tuk.
Tad Yuang Waterfalls
Tad Yuang Waterfalls are 25 miles from the town of Pakse and can be reached after a quick hike and then tentatively climbing down slippery steps.
The falls are on the Bolaven Plateau which is a stunning part of Laos and home to a loop of accessible roads that take in all the natural treasures of the area. There are lots more waterfalls nearby so hiring a motorbike for a couple of days to explore them is a great idea.
Take both a swimming costume and sturdy shoes, it’s possible to swim at both the top and bottom of the cascade but clambering over the rocks and vegetation can be tricky.
Tad Fane Waterfalls
Tad Fane Waterfalls are simply gorgeous! Two powerful 120m high torrents of turbulent white-water slam into a jungle thick pool below. Definitely, one of the most epic waterfalls in Laos!
Take in the dramatic scene from nearby viewpoints and be transported back to a time when dinosaurs stalked the earth, it really is like a scene from Jurassic Park.
If you fancy being a little more dynamic, then hire a guide from the Tad Fane Tourist Resort and scramble through the jungle to the summit of the falls.
Tad Fane Fall are a popular place as they are on the Bolaven Plateau and a new and adrenaline-pumping zip line over the trees has recently been installed.
Khone Phapheng Waterfalls
The Khone Phapheng Falls are on Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) a serene collection of islands on the Mekong River in the south of Laos.
Travelling around Si Phan Don is easiest by bicycle so hop on your hired bike and head to Khone Phapheng or book a guided tour at the hostels on Don Det En Don Khone.
The falls are short but wide and rapids surge out into the river underneath. There is a pretty viewpoint from which to take photos, but I’d recommend taking a long walk along the beach and see these spectacular falls from every possible viewpoint.
Most waterfalls in Laos are visited for their splendour but Khone Phapheng has historical significance too. When the colonial French were seeking a way to travel to China along the Mekong River, these unexpected waterfalls scuppered their plans, and an expensive railway was required to connect two of the islands and complete the trade route.
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Tad Sae Waterfalls
If enjoying the feel of cool water and sunbathing on smooth rocks is your idea of a grand day out, then Tad Sae Waterfalls are the ideal place to investigate.
The gentle spouts of water splash down from limestone sun terraces into an aquamarine swimming pool.
Tad Sae is a popular holiday spot for locals so it’s lovely to be able to chill out peacefully with families and groups of friends from nearby Luang Prabang.
It’s best to visit the area in the rainy season as the falls are much more impressive. However, if you’re looking for something active to enjoy then there is a zip-line attraction close to the falls that provide fabulous views as you fly down.
Li Phi Waterfalls
Li Phi is a mysterious place that locals believe is haunted by the bad spirits of dead people and animals. Li Phi is ‘spirit trap’ in the language of Laos and it is thought that the violent rapids below the falls trap evil energy.
Swimming isn’t advised as the water is too unpredictable, instead carefully pick your way over the rugged rocks to safely feel the power of the water swirling below.
Li Phi have another name, Tad Somphamit, and they are located near Don Khon on Si Phan Don archipelago of small islands near the Cambodian border.
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Vanessa Ball
Vanessa is a digital marketing geek with a big passion for adventures off-the-beaten-track. She is a trekker, content creator, photographer, and an all-round travel junkie. Join her in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.
