Tad Thong Waterfall

While certainly not the most spectacular of the waterfalls around Luang Prabang, Tad Thong waterfall offers the chance to take a short vigorous hike through the jungle, a brisk spring-fed pool to cool off in and a place entirely to yourself. It’s a very low-key experience, and if you’re sure-footed, want to enjoy some nature and get away from the tourist crowds, Tad Thong is the ticket.

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Travellers to Luang Prabang will probably visit Kuang Si and Tad Se waterfalls but few people know of this one, a rainy season-only series of small waterfalls six kilometres from town, where a two-kilometre trail loop through the jungle. It should take 45 to 60 minutes and there’s an optional side trail to walk to a Khmu village, 15 minutes one-way. There are three small waterfalls, one at the trail entrance and two within the jungle. The waterfalls flow from approximately July to December/January.

This is how you do it. Photo taken in or around Tad Thong Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos by Cindy Fan.

This is how you do it. Photo: Cindy Fan

A basic map is posted at the entrance and we recommend you take a photo of it, but even with the map, the track can still be a little confusing, so keep your wits about you while walking. The trail is not maintained so expect it to be uneven, slippery and muddy when wet. Wear proper hiking shoes/sandals, bring insect repellent, water and snacks.

Though Tad Thong is only six kilometres from town, we don’t recommend walking or cycling as Route 13 is a major artery and you’ll be sharing the highway with heavily loaded transport trucks. If you choose to cycle, get a mountain bike with gears, and do take care ... please log in to read the rest of this story.