Tad Lo

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Tad Lo is actually in Salavan Province, but most commonly visited on trips based from Pakse, 85 km away via the Salavan Road. It's something of a budget travellers' paradise, but we were surprised at how few backpackers are actually onto this fact. Tad Lo is really a series of three falls -- Tad Suong, Tad Lo and Tad Hang, around which most of the accommodation is grouped, in the village of Kieng Than Lei.

Tad Hang is the first set of falls you'll see when you arrive -- they are the smallest and gentlest of the three, but provide the best opportunity for taking a dip. Signs warn about the dangers of getting too near the falls, but there are plenty of safe areas for swimming, and you'll spot a lot of locals fishing in the waters as well. The water is admittedly a bit murky, but not unhealthy, as far as we were able to tell.

Tad Lo itself is reached by crossing the bridge over to the Saise Resort and following the road up hill. Saise Resort has built a new lodge there which should be open soon. The falls can be reached on foot -- it's too rocky to swim at the base, but the massive granite wall over which the waters spill is definitely worth seeing.

 

Tad Suong, about 10km from town, is the best of the falls. The word 'breathtaking' doesn't really describe it -- it's awe-inspiring, and slightly nerve-wracking. The path to the falls lets out at the top, and oh boy, are you at the top. The falls plunge into a deep gorge, and in the dry season, it's possible to walk around on the rock table they spill over right up to the edge. Not recommended for those with acrophobia, and, of course, do your best not to fall off. Once you get used to the height, the views are excellent and it's one of the prettiest places on the planet. You can also cool off in one of the shallow pools at the top without being sluiced over the falls, but use your judgement if the current is particularly strong on a given day.

Tad Suong is the trickiest of the falls to get to, and you'll need a bicycle or motorbike, or arrange transport from town. Follow signs to the Tad Lo Lodge, but don't turn off the main road, just keep going. When you reach the power station, take a right. When that road ends, take a left and look for the poorly marked turn-off on your left at the village of Ban Sanumnay. That road leads to where you can park and it's a short walk to the top of the falls.

Text and/or map last updated on 10th August, 2009.
Further reading
 » Exploring Laos' Bolaven Plateau
 » Southern Laos by scooter

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