Sae Pong Lai Waterfall — Attraction in Attapeu

Gorgeous waterfalls, even more at this time of the year (July2022). Accessible from Attapeu through route 18, which is in a very deplorable state (this might get better as they are, slowly, rebuilding route 18). Go with at least a pick up truck, SUV or ATV. Moreover, the route that then leads to the waterfall is in very poor condition and is considered one way, off-road dirt track. Just before reaching Sae Pong Waterfall (the first of it's name), take the left. Continue until the next intersection and turn right (there's a sign there that says 4300m until the waterfall). This portion of the road is extremely narrow and slippery. I do not recommend going there on a rainy day unless you have a 4x4 vehicule. You will reach the next intersection just before the waterfall and you must turn right down the steep slope. The road then turns into a rocky road which helps going up on the way back but beware puncturing your tires on some sharp rocks.

Again, I do not recommend going there without a proper vehicule for off road, ideally a 4x4 vehicule or ATV. And again, avoid going there on a rainy day. On your way from Attapeu you can witness multiple waterfalls going down the plateau which makes the ride more enjoyable. Because.. you will suffer 😉 and it's absolutely worth it 😎

Historical notes: On July 23rd 2018, the Saddle Dam D project under construction by the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company (PNPC), just North of these waterfalls near Paksong on the Bolovan Plateau collapsed resulting in the worst industrial accident in Laos history: completely wiping off entire villages and sadly, killing many. An estimated 1100 people are still missing following these events. On your way to these waterfalls you will see numerous bridges that have been rebuilt but also entire villages including...

Drove here after Tad Sepa. It's a separate road you need to take. It took us 45 min one way on two dritbikes in the dry season. The road is a dirttrail with some mud holes. Be prepared for snakes on the road, cause the trail takes you through the jungle - we saw two big ones (1,5m +). I would not recommend doing it alone, cause we saw nobody on the road. The last part (500m) to the Waterfall is a more technical offroad part with rocks and some incline, you can park your bike at a bigger junction and then walk the rest for 10 minutes if you are not comfortable with proper offroad.

I can recommend it but be prepared for the jungle and do it only if you got enough time left...

Xeponglai is a massive waterfall located in Attapeu Province. Getting there requires a 4WD vehicle only, as the road is very rough—especially during the rainy season. It takes about 4 hours from Pakse. When it rains heavily like last night, the waterfall becomes incredibly powerful, with the water turning a reddish-brown due to heavy rain and...