Story and Photos NGO TRAN HAI AN

Tad Fane Waterfall in Laos is an ideal destination for those who want to test their courage in a stunning natural setting.

Nestled in the lush greenery of Dong Hua Sao National Park on the Bolaven Plateau (Champasak Province, Laos), Tad Fane Waterfall is a stunning double cascade that paints a magnificent watercolor landscape. Two torrents of water plunge nearly 200 meters into the verdant valley below, creating a scene that is both poetic and majestic, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s pristine beauty. However, Tad Fane is not merely a scenic spot. It’s also an ideal destination for adventure seekers eager to test their limits with three exhilarating experiences. My adventure began with ziplining across the magnificent waterfall. With a racing heart and adrenaline surging through my veins, I took a deep breath and launched myself into the void. The moment the cable tightened, I soared between the roaring cascades, feeling almost paralyzed. The wind howled in my ears as the treetops zipped past in a flash. Soon, the initial fear dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming thrill – a wonderful sense of conquest and freedom.

Drinking coffee in mid-air

The next challenge, sipping coffee in mid-air truly tested every ounce of courage and doubled my excitement. Perched on a small chair tethered to a cable suspended high above, I felt both anxious and euphoric. Below me lay an abyss, with Tad Fane thundering down and mist rising like a veil. The wind blew fiercely, causing my chair to sway. My heart raced as fear mixed with excitement coursed through my veins.

Yet, as I calmed down, the breathtaking grandeur of Tad Fane came into view. Endless stretches of lush primary forest and torrents of white water cascading down sheer cliffs resembled a breathtaking watercolor masterpiece. Taking a sip of bitter coffee that harmonized with the fresh air was sublime. All tension gradually gave way to a deep connection with nature. In that moment, I felt as one with my surroundings, experiencing absolute freedom. It was an unforgettable experience that awakened every sense and left a lasting impression on my soul.

The third experience – lying in a hammock – truly delivered a feeling of life on the edge. Drinking coffee at a table with companions offered some sense of security. But in the hammock, I was alone. Moreover, there was no point of support; just the swaying sensation that made fear engulf my entire being. My body felt frozen as I shifted positions between lying and sitting like a robot controlled by an unseen force. Each second seemed to stretch endlessly. A cold sweat broke out and my heart pounded like a drum. Just a gentle breeze could send the hammock swaying as if caught in a violent earthquake. However, much like when savoring coffee mid-air, once I regained my composure, I realized this frightening yet memorable experience should be embraced at least once in a lifetime.

Tad Fane Waterfall stretches out like a lush green ribbon

Everything around me seemed to shrink away; only the rustling wind, chirping birds, and the distant roar of cascading water remained. The sun cast warm rays through the leaves, creating dappled patches on the ground. Closing my eyes and breathing in the fresh air while listening to nature’s sounds made me feel as if my soul was cleansed; all of life’s worries seemed to dissolve away, leaving behind only tranquility and a deeper connection with nature than ever before.

Tad Fane is indeed an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness and challenge their limits. In moments of overcoming fear, I realized that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones. Exploring new horizons and forging deeper connections with nature ultimately enriches our lives.