Tad Yuang

Ribbons of water plunge over a sheer cliff 40 metres to a pool below, the rising mist intensifying and electrifying the green hues of the surrounding jungle. It’s picture-perfect, an iconic dictionary definition of a waterfall.

Unlike taller Tad Fane, which is viewed from afar, the view to Tad Yuang is up close and personal. In dry season, it is possible to walk down and take a dip in the pool. Use extreme caution when walking on the stairs and pathway which are constantly slick and muddy from the mist.

Though the falls themselves remain untouched and natural, the entrance to Tad Yuang is quite developed, and it may be off putting for some. There are some shops, a restaurant and when we visited late 2016, accommodation was being built, slated to open in mid-2017. The plans are to have 30 mid-range priced rooms as well as homestay for budget travellers.

The overwhelmingly convivial owner of the falls loves to chat with visitors (he is fluent in English and French) and his hospitality includes shot after shot of lao-lao rice whiskey—going down that slope is more slippery than the path to the falls. Know your limits.

The turn off is located at km-40 and is heralded by large signs. It’s an additional 800 metres on dirt road to the entrance/parking.

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