Tad Fane and the twin drop above the Bolaven Plateau
Published on 09/19/2026 at 20:50 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Tad Fane is a twin waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau near Pakse in southern Laos. Its most striking feature is the paired drop, where two streams fall side by side over a forested cliff.
Tad Fane above the Bolaven Plateau
The falls sit on the edge of the plateau in Champasak Province, with forest rising around the gorge. The name Tad Fane is used for the waterfall itself, while Tad-Fane-Wasserfall refers to the same place in German.
The site is linked with Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area, a broad protected landscape on the plateau. Tad Fane belongs to the landscape of southern Laos rather than to a built monument, and the water and rock form the main visual contrast.
Water, cliff and forest at Tad Fane
Two rivers feed the falls, and the water drops from a cliff of about 120 m (394 ft). The descent ends in a pool below, with steep rock walls framing the gorge.
The area is also known for the green plateau scenery around Pakse and Paksong. The waterfall sits among forest and highland terrain, with the drop itself defining the view.
Why Tad Fane is a landmark of southern Laos
Tad Fane draws attention because the twin cascades remain separated as they fall, then disappear into the gorge below. That double form gives the place a clear identity within the Bolaven Plateau landscape.
The waterfall is one of the best-known natural sights around Pakse and appears in many journeys through Champasak Province. Its position, height and twin streams make it recognisable long before the gorge comes fully into view.
Visiting Tad Fane: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Tad Fane lies east of Pakse on the Bolaven Plateau, reached by road towards Paksong and the km 38 turn-off. Private car, motorbike and local transport all serve the route.
- The terrain around the falls is steep and forested, with cliff edges and viewpoints above the gorge. Footing near the rim is uneven.
- The waterfall sits in a highland setting above the lowlands around Pakse. The surrounding plateau is part of the wider southern Lao coffee country.
- The official language is Lao and the currency is the Lao kip.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Tad Fane
Where is Tad Fane?
Tad Fane is in Champasak Province on the Bolaven Plateau, east of Pakse in southern Laos. It belongs to the highland landscape around Paksong.
What does a visit involve?
The place is reached by road and is known for a steep gorge, forested edges and a view across the twin falls. The main experience is the cliff-top outlook rather than a flat riverside walk.
What makes Tad Fane distinctive?
Its twin streams fall side by side from the plateau into a deep gorge. The pair of drops gives Tad Fane a clear profile among the waterfalls around Pakse.
