Laos — Tad Sae Waterfalls (ຕາດແສ້), Luang Prabang (ຫລວງພະບາງ/ຫຼວງພະບາງ), Laos — the hike to the top — part 4 of 4
A tough hike and I got lost
September 2015
After watching people on elephants in the pools and people jumping the falls, I decided to head to the top.
A trail had been cut through the forest and boarded steps with handrails installed. There had been a lot of work carried out.
Plus, there were information plaques on some trees. But, the trail was now neglected. Several fallen trees blocked the route, which I had to scramble over or under, and trail markers and signposts had vanished.
On the walk, I passed some more falls and pools, which were beautiful.
And I came across a zip wire experience I had heard some tourists talk about at the lower pools.
The sound and smells of the falls and pools were incredible.
There were some bridges to cross.
And I kept seeing a mysterious pipe.
The trail, and the bridges, began to deteriorate.
The views were incredible.
As I moved along the trail, I came across a sign that said:
“Attention!!!! You are now entering a privately owned area which is under the careful management of ‘Elephant Village’ located near Ban Xiang Lam Village. Please be aware that ‘Elephant Village’ works closely with the local authority and the local community in order to: save the elephant from hard logging labour, give them a new future and to protect their habitat (natural resources).”
The sign then went to tell me about the area, but I was unsure if I should be in the area and if it was safe to proceed.
I did move on and found some more stunning pools.
After wandering around for an hour and encountering many splits in the trail, I concluded I was lost. So, I randomly picked a path and followed it downstream.
Due to their poor condition, the lack of trail markers, and no available maps, I would rate the trails above the swimming pools as potentially lethal and an accident waiting to happen.
You shouldn't attempt the trails unless you wear hiking boots, as the paths are very slippery. My advice would be to turn back at the first bridge above the main swimming area.
Summary
I enjoyed my visit to the Tad Sae Waterfalls (ຕາດແສ້).
I found the pools and falls to be beautiful, and it was great to watch the people jumping the falls and the elephants in the pools.
Furthermore, I would advise not attempting the hike to the top of the falls as the trail is in poor condition and lacks clear trail markers.
If I had to pick between the Tad Sae Waterfalls (ຕາດແສ້) and the Kuang Si Waterfall (ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດ ກວາງຊີ), I would choose the Kuang Si Waterfall (ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດ ກວາງຊີ) as they were more varied and spectacular than the Kuang Si Waterfall (ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດ ກວາງຊີ). And the area around the Kuang Si Waterfall (ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດ ກວາງຊີ) was better maintained.
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