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Bolaven Plateau, Laos – Pakse to Sekong

Bolaven Plateau is famous for its dramatic waterfalls, fertile soil, high-grade coffee plantations and its own micro climate. It is noticeably cooler than in neighbouring Pakse. Similar to Tha Khaek, there is also a “loop” available for adventurous tourists. It takes more time though (6 days which I didn’t have). But I really wanted to see the most beautiful waterfall in the area – Nam Tok Katamtok, which is also one of the more remote ones. In order to achieve this, I decided to go in one day from Pakse all the way to Sekong and then the next day come back using another route, going next to that waterfall.

I rented a new motorbike and made my way towards Bolaven Plateau in the direction of Paksong. I’ve made my first stop to see one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Laos – Tad Fan waterfall. Two parallel streams of the Huay Bang Lieng come out of dense forest and down more than 120 m. I saw the waterfall from the viewpoint at Tad Fane Resort. There is a possibility of taking a path to the waterfall itself, unfortunately I couldn’t take it as a real downpour came just minutes later. So I saw another popular waterfall nearby – Tat Yuang. Tat Yuang is 40 m high and there is a gazebo that allows you to enjoy the view.

I have tried the local coffee (delicious!) and continued my journey. I had to stop few times on the way as it rained once in a while – one of those stops I did in a very local restaurant where nobody spoke any English but kids were happy to pose for photos. I arrived in Sekong after dusk. There I had supper at Pha Thip restaurant which has interesting photos from Sekong province hanging on the walls. Since this is one of the most remote areas in Laos, photos show how scrap metal from the war is utilised in everyday life. I took photos of those photos and uploaded them at the end of the gallery as I think many of You will find them interesting (I also abstained from retouching them). I have spent the night in rather old an run-down (but very cheap) guest house, where my money supported malaria education group.

Bolaven Plateau – from Pakse (A) to Sekong (B)