Tad Yuang Waterfall
Ban Lak 40, Paksong, Laos
Surrounded by emerald greenery, the 137-foot (42-meter) Tad Yuang Waterfall plunges dramatically into the natural pool below. Part of the beautifully biodiverse Bolaven Plateau, the Tad Yuang Waterfall is more off-the-beaten-track than nearby attractions such as the Tad Fane Waterfall, so you’ll likely find you’ve got the place all to yourself.
The basics
You can admire the waterfall from three lookout points at the top, bottom, and middle of the falls. The Tad Yuang Waterfall is sometimes included on day trips to the Bolaven Plateau departing from Pakse; these typically combine it with the Tad Fane Waterfall (which you can zipline over) and also tend to visit coffee plantations and Indigenous villages to learn about local culture. Some guide you through hiking trails that feature suspended canopy bridges.
Things to know before you go
There’s a picnic spot at the top of the waterfall, so bring some drinks and snacks to enjoy the view.
You can swim in the natural pools at the bottom of the falls, so bring a bathing suit and a towel.
Because of its elevation, the Bolaven Plateau can feel cooler than the rest of Laos, so it’s a good idea to pack layers.
There’s a nominal entrance fee for Tad Yuang Waterfall, so bring small denominations of cash.
There are some restaurants and souvenir shops lining the trail toward the waterfall.
How to get there
The closest town to Tad Yuang Waterfall is Pakse, 24 miles (39 kilometers) away. It takes about 50 minutes via Route 16E. You can take a tuk-tuk from the town or drive using a scooter, readily available to rent in Pakse town. However, the route is slippery and winding, so don’t drive yourself unless you’re experienced at the helm of a motorbike.
When to get there
Tad Yuang Waterfall is open daily from morning until late afternoon. The best time to visit the Bolaven Plateau is from October through February, just after the rainy season. This is when the weather is warmest and the waterfalls are most powerful.
Sights of the Bolaven Plateau
This lush green area is hailed as the coffee capital of Laos and is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most impressive waterfalls. You can explore the landscapes and ethnic villages on a day trip from Pakse, or follow a 3-day loop on a motorbike. One highlight is the Dong Hua Sao conservation area, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and leopards.
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