The ultimate guide to Tad Sae Waterfalls, Luang Prabang
Tad Sae Waterfall
Tad Sae is not the first name appeared in mind when people think of waterfalls in Luang Prabang. However, Tad Sae Waterfall is also one of beautiful waterfalls in Luang Prabang which you should not miss. Let’s discover its secret with Laos Travel.
Contents
General information
- Location: 15 km from Luang Prabang, going south to Vientiane.
- Opening Hours: Every day from 08:00-17:30
- Entrance fee: 20,000 Kip (~2,3 USD)
Best Time to Visit Tad Sae Waterfalls
The Tad Sae Waterfalls is only interesting to see during the rainy season as it has a very unequal flow. Tad Sae flows around June/July until a couple of months after the rains have stopped. November/December is usually the latest time to visit it for the water. In dry season, the falls flow very little, even no water.
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Tad Sae Waterfall – How to get there?
Just located 15 km southeast of Luang Prabang, travelers can hire a tuk-tuk or van to take you there. Expect to pay around 150,000 – 200,000 Kip (20 – 25 USD) for the tuk-tuk. For a private car/van, the cost is around US$ 45. If you love to be active and a bit adventurous, motorbike is an option. It will cost around 20 USD for rental fee. Once you arrive at Tad Sae, you have to pay 5,000 Kip for parking.
After you get off tuk tuk/van or park your motorbike, you need to take a boat crossing Nam Khan river to get the entrance where you have to hike to get to the stunning view of the falls. Boat fee is 10,000 Kip (1,5 USD) per person. For water sport lovers, you can paddle kayak along the river. A full day kayaking tour usually includes a stop at Tad Saw Waterfall for lunch and refreshment. Price is about 80 USD per person.
What to do at the Fall?
Tad Sae is only reachable by boat thus it gives you time to retreat into nature. The cascades of Tad Sae offer great photo opportunities as the water spills over the multi-levelled rocks into the pools below. Even the Tad Sae is not as splendid and high as Kuang Si waterfalls, there are many more streams of water pouring over unique limestone formations. People can also go for a swim in large pools below the falls. There are also changing rooms and toilets. Tad Sae is more popular among locals.
They often visit the falls over the weekend. There is an elephant village near the Fall where you can interact with elephants in natural way. You can join a half day or full day trip which offers elephant activities and a boat trip to Tad Sae. Tours are available in your hotels and travel agencies. Price is from 50 USD per person.
Which services are available at Tad Sae Waterfalls?
There is a restaurant on site which provides typical Laos dishes such as sticky rice, BBQ, green papaya salad. Also, you can buy some snacks and soft drinks. Bamboo tables are placed right in the pools of water at the bottom of the second waterfall. Therefore, you can prepare picnic lunch in town and enjoy it here. Besides, you can also find a small area where you can buy souvenirs: postcards, wooden elephant carvings, and other classic Southeast Asian trinkets.
What to bring to Tad Sae Waterfalls?
- Swimming is the main purpose, so don’t forget your swimming gear, towel, a dry bag, and a change of dry clothes. Remember Laos people typically swim fully clothed. It is better to wear modestly.
- Proper shoes: the hike to the the falls can be steep, so flip flops may not work well.
- As the weather is hot and sunny in Luang Prabang, sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary to avoid the heat!
- Water and jungle are perfect environment for mosquitos. You should bring insect repellent to minimize any risk.
- A filled water bottle is always a necessary under Laos heat
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