Tad Fane

Just past km 38 along the road to Pak Song is Tad Fane -- a picturesque twin set of waterfalls spilling 200 metres down into a deep gorge, located in the jungle of Dong Hua Sao, which is a National Biodiversity Conservation area. Overlooking the falls is a single resort, appropriately called the Tad Fane Resort. The falls are quite striking, but unlike other falls in the area, swimming opportunities aren't available unless you take a half-day hike under the supervision of a guide -- both the top and the bottom of the falls are a long haul from the resort through the jungle. For the casual visitor, pretty much all you can do is look at them. Half-day treks to the top of the falls can be booked here for US$5 per person, full-day treks including a visit to a local village and a coffee plantation cost US$10. This is another good example of how the Lao government is wisely developing the tourist infrastructure -- local villagers are allowed to sell handicrafts to tourists only if they promise not to engage in illegal hunting and logging which has been having a negative impact on the ecosystem. So, save a tree and buy something.