Waterfalls are abundant throughout Laos. However no trip to this country is complete without seeing some of these spectacular streams of water falling over steep cliffs. Some of these waterfalls double as swimming pools, but be sure to respect local culture and dress appropriately when visiting certain sites. Here is a roundup of our top 5 must-see waterfalls in Laos!
Image courtesy of Asia Web Direct
While not quite as impressive year-round, the Tad Sae waterfall is a great day trip from Luang Prabang. Featuring low, cascading falls amid a tropical forest, the Tad Sae area is also home to an elephant center. The falls are more popular with local Lao people than tourists. We recommend visiting Tad Sae during the Green Season when the falls are flowing in full force.
While the 100 Waterfalls cannot be narrowed down to any single waterfall, the entire exploration tour through these falls is a destination that should be on the list of every traveler interested in exploring the natural beauty of Laos. Located along the Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw, the ‘100 Waterfalls’ is an exclusive tour operated by Tiger Trail Travel. The tour features a jungle hike through a trail of numerous cascading waterfalls and local villages.
The Khone falls and Pha Pheng falls are located in Si Phan Don or ‘4000 Islands’ in the Champasak Province that borders Cambodia. The Khone falls are considered the largest in Southeast Asia. While they are not as high as other waterfalls in this list, the succession of rapids stretches a mighty 9.7 kilometers (6 miles) down the Mekong River. It is home to some of the largest species of catfish in the region, though they are becoming endangered with continued development along the river.
Located in the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos, the Tad Fane waterfalls are an iconic, twin-stream that plummets 100 meters (330 feet) down steep cliffs into a giant gorge. The falls are located amid a tropical rainforest where wild animals such as leopards, tigers, elephants, and monkeys roam free. Do not miss seeing these falls on your tour of Southern Laos!
We may be a little biased in having placed the Kuang Si waterfalls as the number one waterfall in Laos, but these falls will not disappoint. The overall area is expansive, featuring countless cascading pools of turquoise water trickling down from the main fall measuring a staggering 60 meters (200 feet) tall. You can also summit the peak of the waterfalls by going up a trail on the left side. Up here you will witness some of the most impressive views of the surrounding area. While there is a small admission fee to enter into the falls, you will also gain access to the Bear Rescue Center nearby. Do not miss the chance to visit the Butterfly Park located a few hundred meters before the gates of the Kuang Si park.
