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The Bolaven Plateau is our last stop in Laos before crossing the border towards Vietnam. We could not have imagined a better ending. Exceptional waterfalls and the best coffee in the country make this plateau something very special and an absolute highlight on our trip through Laos!
In addition to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vat Phou, the plateau at 1,000 to 1,350 meters above sea level is a must-see for any traveler heading to the south of the country. The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or a car and drive from Pakse along road 16 towards Paksong. Only a few potholes adorn the road, which is really a rarity in Laos. But there is a reason for that, because the construction was financed by private persons and at the latest at the first of the three toll stations it becomes clear to us, the money should definitely flow back into their pockets. Starting at 7,500 Kip (≈ 40 cents) up to 15,000 Kip (≈ 80 cents) for a normal car is a proud price, only scooters are free.
At Lak 38 we reach our first destination and at the same time the highlight of the Bolaven Plateau. We quickly park our car in the parking lot, pay the resort entrance fee of 20,000 Kip (≈ 1.10 $) per person and march off full of anticipation. We turn the corner, catch sight of the Tad Fane waterfall, and are first flashed. 120 meters two single streams fall down the rock into a deep hole. The ground is hardly recognizable, only at a few isolated places of the viewpoint we can guess this. Even though it is already late morning, there are only a handful of other people on site. And these have something very special planned, because the waterfall and the surrounding area can be explored via several zip lines. But this is really not for the faint of heart!
The next highlight is definitely the nearby Tad Yuang. To get there, follow the main road for 1.7 kilometers. You can't miss the turnoff on the right with a huge advertising sign. Then you just have to follow the bumpy gravel road. Shortly before you reach the parking lot, you will have to pay the entrance fee of 10,000 kip (≈ 50 cents) per person. Passing small souvenir and food stalls, the road winds down to the beginning of the waterfall. Via a steep concrete staircase, we reach the first vantage point and are once again amazed. The waterfall, so inconspicuous from above, turns out to be something very special. Even if it is clearly smaller with its 40 meters, it is in no way inferior to the Tad Fane. Surrounded by dense green jungle, it is an oasis of silence, which is also due to the few visitors. We don't miss the chance to climb down the slippery steps to the water basin. The wind whistles the fine water drops in our faces and after a short time we are dripping wet. In principle, you could also swim at Tad Yuang, but be careful because of the current.
The Bolaven Plateau has a lot more to offer besides the two waterfalls, like the best coffee in the country. On a guided tour you will learn interesting details about the history, cultivation and processing of the black beans. However, if you have less time or just want to enjoy the hot drink, we can recommend Café Lak 40 right on the main street. After a short walk through the adjacent plantations, you can taste the different varieties and also buy them for home.
For us, the Plateau is the perfect end to our exciting trip through Laos and yet we can hardly wait to travel across the border into Vietnam. We are excited about the new culture, the food and look forward to a few sunny days in Hoi An and the adjacent An Bang Beach!
