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Region: Vientiane And Surrounds> Province: Vientiane>Location: Phou Khao Khouay National Park
Phou Khao Khouay National Park sights and attractions
Tad Xay Waterfall - A beautiful waterfall
Phou Khao Khouay National Park
Description
Tad Xay Waterfall is the jewel of the Phou Khao Khouay National Park. Consisting of a stepped seven-tiered drop of about 30m, the waterfall has seen many more visitors since the access road was maintained from 2000. Having said that, there's a good chance you'll be alone if it's not the weekend. Most choose to picnic and swim at the pool at the foot of the fall during the day, and leave before dark. Camping is allowed, but there's no on-site facilities. October to April are the best months to visit, when the river is not liable to become a raging torrent. Park authorities in collaboration with donor agencies have been promoting Tad Xay as part of a guided homestay and camping scheme with the villagers of nearby Ban Hatkai.
Opening Hours: Open during daylight hours
How to get there: There is adequate road access to Tad Xay for most vehicles between November and May. Only motorcycles and 4WD can use the road outside these months. Take a right turn at the signposted junction about 1km after Houay Leuk metal bridge on the way into the National Park. From there the road passes a further 8km through Ban Hatkai and past a National Park checkpoint to the waterfall. Some visitors choose to be taken by longtail canoe to the most upstream point navigable by boat, and then trek for two hours upstream to the waterfall. Boats are available at Ban Hatkai and Ban Houay Leuk. Expect to pay 70,000 to 100,000kip for a boat.
Tad Leuk Waterfall - Still retains its charm
Phou Khao Khouay National Park
Description
A hydropower diversion project upstream has significantly reduced the flow at the Tad Leuk Waterfall, and this is especially noticeable from January to April. Despite this, the 10m high Tad Leuk has retained much of its charm as a water feature set in a tranquil clearing amongst relatively unspoiled mixed deciduous forest. A pictorial description of the National Park is on show at the information centre, consisting of various engaging exhibits prepared by foreign advisers to the park. A set of reference works and field guides is also available for visitors wishing to obtain some deeper knowledge. A delightfully ramshackle family run restaurant is situated overlooking the waterfall. Rotting wooden balustrades and supporting posts have been entwisted with spectacular climbing flora rising from pools at the foot of the waterfall. At festival times the facility hosts boozy groups of Lao officials and Vientiane workers, but otherwise it is deserted. As a consequence, no food is available apart from the ubiquitous instant noodles and tinned fish. The owners speak little English, but as is common in Laos, they are exceptionally friendly. They also operate the camp site and guided treks.
Opening Hours: Open during daylight hours
How to get there: There is adequate road access to Tad Leuk for most vehicles between November and May. Only motorcycles and 4WD can use the road outside these months. Take a left turn at the signposted junction about 24km from Ban Palai on Route 13 South. The waterfall turnoff is easy to miss, so be vigilant. From there the road meanders 4km down to the Tad Leuk waterfall.