Tad Fane, a waterfall in paradise

Pakxong district in Champassak province lies on the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos and is renowned for its coffee plantations. The area is also well known for its stunning waterfalls.
The drive from Pakxe city to Pakxong only takes about an hour, but most people like to stop off at waterfalls along the way before they get to Bolaven town.
One of the best of these cascades is Tad Fane, which is just 38km from Pakxe and 12km from Pakxong town. This is truly a slice of paradise, as the area also has a charming restaurant, coffee tasting, Lao style homestays, and several interesting activities.
The best thing is to spend two or three days here if you have the time, so that you can fully unwind and drink in the refreshing scenery and the tranquility it offers.

Tad Fane Resort.

The falls are more spectacular in the rainy season.

From the first minute you approach the waterfall you will feel as though you’re in a deep jungle because all around is thick forest and the sound of insects singing.
Whenever I’m in Pakxong I always visit this waterfall. Unfortunately, I never have time to stay overnight but that’s my ultimate dream and something I will definitely do one day.
On my last visit, I talked to the manager of the Tad Fane site, Mr Souansavanh Heuangvaongsa, during a trip to promote travel in Laos organised by the Tourism Marketing Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Media personnel from the Vientiane Times and Pathetlao newspapers, Lao National Radio, and China Radio International to Laos (CRI) were touring the main tourist attractions in Champassak province in order to learn about exciting new developments and make them better known to tourists.
Mr Souansavanh said charges at facilities around the waterfall had been reduced by 50 percent, especially the cost of a room.
Tad Fane is actually two waterfalls which are 120 metres high, with the water cascading down from two streams, named Vanglien and Phukgoot.
The most impressive time to visit is right now, and any time up until the beginning of November.
“We closed the waterfall for a year while we added more facilities and created some activities for visitors,” Mr Souansavah said.
There is a zipline that spans the waterfall. Those with a brave heart can ride on the zipline and then stop in the middle where they can survey the area over a 360-degree angle while sipping on a coffee.

Reporters interview the manager of the waterfall site.

The restaurant and coffee bar where visitors can eat and drink with a fine view of the falls.

The waterfall is located in the Dong Hua Sao jungle, one of the National Biodiversity Conservation areas in Champassak province.
A half-day hike is a great way to explore the area, as well as a swim at Tad Fane and other waterfalls.
It’s also possible to tour a coffee plantation and visit some ethnic villages, but the best plan is to take a two-day trek and spend the middle night camping in the forest.
“We’ve set up a system whereby we can lower people down to the waterfall on a line. This means they can get right up close and play or swim in the water,” Mr Souansavah said.
Most Lao visitors like camping and spending a night in a tent close to the top of the waterfall. This gives them a great view of the cascade and the surrounding jungle, which is especially dramatic in the evening when sunset arrives.
For me, Tad Fane is an amazing place full of interesting activities including the waterfall itself, the zipline, and jungle trekking.
But it’s also good just to spend a few hours in this lovely spot, which is so refreshing and makes you feel like you’ve recharged your body’s battery.

ByPatithin Phetmeuangphuan
(Latest Update May 24, 2022)