If you have never heard of the Tad Sae Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, it is about time! This hidden gem in the Northern Region of Laos is surely not as famous as Kuang Si Waterfalls, but that doesn’t mean that it is not worth visiting. On Google there are mixed reviews about Tad Sae falls. The bad reviews are mostly because of the fact that people visiting at the wrong time of the year. During dry season this waterfall doesn’t have much water or sometimes is even completely dry, making it a not so nice experience. Don’t be one of them and make sure you visit Tad Sae Waterfalls at the right time of the year, which we will discuss in this article.
To get to the Tad Sae Falls (Maps Location) is quite easy and there are several options, depending on which method of transport you prefer. It is located around 30 minutes (15 KM) outside of Luang Prabang in a small local village called “Ban En” (Ban = Village). Right next to the local temple is a parking spot, where you can park a motorbike or car for only 5.000 LAK.
🛺 Option 1: Tuk-Tuk (shared or private): The price of a tuk-tuk to reach Tad Sae Falls is hard to tell, because it depends on your negotiation skills. Every tuk-tuk in Laos has different prices and prices need to be discussed before jumping into the vehicle. That being said, prices can range from 400.000 LAK – 700.000 LAK (18-32 USD) roundtrip for the whole tuk-tuk, not per person! With tuk-tuk you will arrive in roundabout 30-45 minutes at the Ban Ene Pier heading to the Waterfalls.
🚖 Option 2 Taxi (private or shared): The prices for a private taxi will be similar like the tuk-tuk, depending on your negotiation skills and how many people are coming. Even though ride hailing apps like Loca or Xanh SM are available in Luang Prabang, but there are some restrictions and you might not be able to use them to reach the Tad Sae Falls. However, this can change anytime and you can easily download one of the mentioned apps and try yourself.
🛵 Option 3 Renting a motorbike: This would be my preferred option anywhere in southeast asia. Riding a motorcycle is such a convenient way to explore and it gives you freedom anywhere you go. Make sure you know how to ride a motorbike when driving in Laos, road conditions are not always the best, especially up north. The rental prices in Luang Prabang vary slightly and depending on how many days you want to rent and which bike. The more days you rent, the better the price. So let’s say you only need a basic motorcycle (Honda Click 125 CC) for one day, the price will be between 150.000-180.000 LAK per day (7-9 USD).
Once arrived at En Village, it is necessary to take a boat from the village upstream the Nam Khan River to reach the Tad Sae Waterfalls. It is just a short boat ride and costs 30.000 LAK (1.40 USD) per person. The boat drops you off on the other side of the river and from there it is a short walk into the jungle to reach the Waterfalls.
When you plan to visit Tad Sae Waterfalls, it is crucial to understand which months of the year are good to visit and which months to avoid. So do your own research (by reading this guide) before heading out to the Waterfalls to get the best experience and avoid being disappointed. While Kuang Si Waterfalls can theoretically be visited any time of the year with water levels also changing, while Tad Sae sometimes is either completely dry, the water is muddy and brown or clear turquoise blue, which tourists are aiming for. Here is a break down of all months of the year with all conditions.
| Month | Water Levels | Water Color | Trail Conditions | Recommended? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Almost dry | None | Dry | 🚫 No | Often closed or dry. |
| February | Dry | None | Dry | 🚫 No | Still no water; dusty. |
| March | Dry | None | Dusty, hot | 🚫 No | Not worth visiting. |
| April | Dry | None | Very hot | 🚫 No | Hottest month, dry falls. |
| May | Low–Rising | Murky brown | Muddy | ⚠️ Maybe | Water returning, not scenic yet. |
| June | Moderate | Murky | Muddy | ⚠️ Maybe | Early waterfalls forming. |
| July | High | Brown | Very muddy | ⚠️ Maybe | Strong flow, but water not clear and trails messy. |
| August | Very high | Brown-blue | Muddy | ⚠️ Maybe | Peak volume but often murky from rains. |
| September | Very high | Clear blue | Wet | ✅ Yes | Dry/cool season, open but not the best. |
| October | High | Clear blue/green | Drying | ✅ Yes | Still excellent. Probably best month. |
| November | Decreasing | Blue-turquoise | Drying | ✅ Yes | One of the best months if early to mid November. |
| December | Low/Weak | Little or none | Dry | ⚠️ Maybe | Peak travel season, but water decreasing. |
During the months of september, october, november your chances will be high to see the waterfalls in picturesque, perfect turquoise conditions. Keep in mind, that the raining season in Laos are not always exactly the same, but the chart above gives you a good overview which months to avoid, which months can be ok and which months are the best. December is high travel season in Laos, but unfortunately during that time, water levels at Tad Sae waterfalls might have decreased to low level already. So you might be lucky in december or not.
There used to be a restaurant right at the waterfalls, but mid-november 2024 the restaurant and all other facilities like toilets were abandoned. So make sure to bring some water, snacks or Beerlao to enjoy your day. Things can be bought at the local stalls before you board the boat – so buy before you leaving to the waterfalls.
IMPORTANT: Laos and many other southeast asian countries have a problem with garbage. So please take everything with you what you brought. Don’t rely on garbage bins on site, they might not be emptied frequently. So if you love and respect mother nature, take your trash back home! I always see foreigners leaving garbage. Local lao people might not be so educated about how to keep things clean and what impact it has on the environment, but western tourists are.
Leave only footprints 🙏
Tad Sae waterfalls have multiple levels, but are not as big as Kuang Si waterfalls. Tad Sae is also not as famous as Kuang Si, therefore, the facilities are not as developed and there are not as many activities. But it is amazing to walk around the lush, green jungle and explore all the levels of the waterfalls.
Tad Sae Waterfalls are known for their unique “sticky” and walkable surface, thanks to the natural limestone (travertine) formations that make up the waterfall’s base. These porous, mineral-rich rocks provide a rough texture that offers surprisingly good grip underfoot, unlike the slippery granite found in many other waterfalls. The constant flow of clean water also prevents the buildup of algae and moss, making it easier and safer to walk across the cascading terraces.
🏊♂️ Swim in the turquoise pools – Refreshing and shallow natural basins perfect for cooling off
🚶♀️ Walk on the “sticky” limestone falls – Safe and fun to explore the terraces barefoot, but don’t damage anything
📸 Take waterfall photos – Multi-level cascades and jungle backdrop are super photogenic
🧺 Have a riverside picnic – Bring snacks and enjoy a simple picnic like locals do
🌿 Relax in the jungle setting – Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature
❌ Pre-covid there used to be some elephants to ride on and whoever doesn’t know it yet: THIS IS ANIMAL CRUELTY! DON’T EVER RIDE ON ELEPHANTS! Doesn’t matter in which country, just skip this activity. Many tourists are obviously still not aware that this means supporting animal cruelty and harming these majestic creatures. In 2024 and 2025 there were no elephants, so hopefully the locals will not bring them back.
If you’re looking for a real insider tip in Luang Prabang, Tad Sae Waterfalls should be on your radar — but only if you go at the right time. Unlike the famous Kuang Si, Tad Sae is more off the beaten path and definitely less touristy, but that also means timing is everything. Visit during the dry season and you’ll likely be disappointed (think: dry rocks and dusty trails). Plan your trip between September and November and you’ll be rewarded with turquoise water, lush jungle, and a peaceful setting.
Getting there is part of the fun — ride a tuk-tuk, grab a taxi, or better yet, rent a motorbike if you’re confident on two wheels. Once you reach Ban En village, hop on a short boat ride across the Nam Khan River, and you’re there. Just don’t expect luxury: as of late 2024, the restaurant and facilities are abandoned, so bring snacks, water, and whatever else you need for a chilled-out jungle day.
At the waterfalls, you can swim, walk on the sticky limestone terraces, explore, and picnic by the river. It’s perfect for a half-day adventure. And no, there are thankfully no elephants there anymore — riding them is outdated and cruel and it’s good to see that this practice seems to be fading out.
Lastly, don’t be that tourist — take your trash back with you 🙏. Laos is beautiful, and keeping it that way is everyone’s job.
