We left by noon after exploring Champasak and stopped by the Mekong River to enjoy a cool drink. I think it was around twelve. We found a lovely spot by the river with a Buddha statue and a few small food stalls. Typically, Lao food stalls are filled with meat dishes, and this place was no different. They had sausages, barbecued meat, and similar items. We grabbed some of those, and as is common here, sticky rice was also available. Some people eat sticky rice with one hand while holding barbecue meat in the other.
The Mekong River, likely due to the rainy weather that day, wasn't as serene but flowed in a muddy, turbulent fashion. After our stop, we planned to visit the Tad Fane Waterfall, a primary tourist attraction in Champasak Province. To get there, we needed to pass through Pakse town again. Not long after leaving Pakse, the skies darkened, and a heavy downpour began. Riding motorcycles, we could feel the rain hitting us hard, almost like stones.
The rain got so intense that we decided to stop near a small roadside shop. The lady there was busy trying to protect her goods from the rain. She even rolled down the metal shutter to shield the shop completely. Despite waiting for about 10–15 minutes, the rain showed no signs of stopping. I grabbed a Lao beer to pass the time. In hindsight, a warm cup of tea might have been better suited for the moment, but the shopkeeper didn’t seem very welcoming toward us, perhaps out of suspicion. So, I quietly enjoyed my beer.
Tad Fane Waterfall
Tad Fane, or the Twin Falls, is located on the Bolaven Plateau, a mountainous area elevated above the surrounding plains. The waterfall consists of two streams plunging down together, making it one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the region. On the day we visited, our clothes and bikes were drenched. By the time the rain slowed, we hopped back onto our scooters, slightly damp but determined to see the falls. We missed a turn at one point but quickly retraced our steps.
The falls, surrounded by lush greenery, were breathtaking, especially after the rains. The water gushed down powerfully, and the mist made everything look dreamy. Initially, the fog was so thick we could barely see our feet, let alone the falls. Luckily, the mist cleared quickly, revealing the majestic Tad Fane in its full glory.
Visitors and Ziplining
Many visitors at the falls were Vietnamese, distinguishable by their sharp features and quieter demeanor compared to other tourist groups like Indians, who tend to be louder. Despite being Buddhist, we couldn't help but notice the Vietnamese young women in their rain-soaked outfits. 😅
The zipline experience at Tad Fane was extraordinary. It spanned about 400 meters across the waterfalls, offering a stunning view. There were smaller ziplines leading to the main one, which ended at a viewpoint. A friend of ours gave it a try, spending $43, including a video of the entire experience. It was worth it for the thrill. Meanwhile, I opted out, choosing instead to relax with another beer. Beer was cheap, so I kept drinking wherever we stopped or waited. 😊
That was our adventure at the Tad Fane Waterfall—a mix of rain, awe-inspiring scenery, and a bit of indulgence!
No comments:
Post a Comment