3 Best Sights in Laos

The waterfall is set on the border of the Dong Houa Sao National Park and up in the cool air of the Bolaven Plateau, Laos's premier coffee-growing region. There's good hiking here, and the cool temperatures are a relief from the heat and humidity down on the Mekong. The area is accessible as a day trip from Pakse, though there is a decent resort overlooking the falls, should you care to stay. Aside from the easy stroll out to the viewing platform above the main falls, those who don't suffer from vertigo can try the 400-meter-high zip line that soars over the falls, giving a bird's-eye view of the area ($35 per person). You can also take a guided walk down to the base of the falls, or venture onto one of the roundabout trails going up above the falls. These trails take in some minor falls and some fun swimming holes. Farther afield, the beautiful Tad Yeuang can be reached in about an hour via a trail from Tad Fane or from a turnout at Km 40 on the main road. Inquire at the resort about guides and trail information.

A series of cascades surrounded by lush foliage, this attraction is popular with Lao residents and foreigners. Many visitors merely view the falls from the lower pool, where picnic tables and food vendors invite lingering, but a steep path through the forest leads to pools above the falls that are perfect for a swim. Two nearby diversions most groups include on a waterfall outing are a rescue center that rehabilitates moon bears saved from poachers, and a recently opened butterfly park (closed on Tuesday). The best time to visit the area is between November and April, after the rainy season. Watch your footing around the falls.

Most scenically reached by boat, this waterfall is best visited between June and December, when the rivers are high and their combined waters form a thundering cascade---in other months, the waterfall will most likely be dry. The waterfall has multilevel limestone formations divided into three steps with big pools beneath them, so don't forget your bathing suit. Old waterwheels and new zip lines add an adventure component. You can get here by road and then ferry to the falls by boat, but it's delightful to arrive here by boat all the way from Luang Prabang. Be careful on the slippery paths around the falls.