South of Don Khong the Mekong River features a 13km stretch of powerful rapids with several sets of cascades, the largest of which is Khon Phapheng, not far from Ban Thakho. Imagine pure, unrestrained aggression as millions of litres of water crash over the rocks and into Cambodia every second. Part of the attraction for the busloads of Asian tourists is the spiritual significance the falls hold for both Lao and Thais, who believe it acts as a spirit trap.
