Tadlo

Tadlo (ຕາດເລາະ, also Tat Lo, pronounced đàht ló) is a village at the foot of the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos. It features beautiful scenery, nice waterfalls, plentiful day trips, and budget accommodation, all without the party scene of Vang Vieng or Don Det.

Tad Lo is the name commonly used for the area around Tad Lo waterfall and the neighbouring villages of Ban Senvang and Ban Khuaset, in Lao Ngam District, Salavan Province.

“Tad” means waterfall in Lao, while “Lo” is the name of this particular waterfall. The name therefore refers originally to the waterfall rather than to a single village. The waterfalls of Tad Hang, Tad Lo and Tad Soung are situated along the Xe Set River.

From Pakse, get a bus to Salavan and ask to be dropped off at the turn-off for Tadlo (175,000 kip, 2-3 hr). You will be dropped off on Rte 20 at Ban Khoua Set. As of 2026, there is no ATM in Tadlo, so it is recommended to bring enough cash before arriving. Some guesthouses, restaurants and businesses accept QR payments.

From the drop-off point after the bridge, head 1.5 km down a road on the right hand side. There may be a tuk-tuk waiting to take you and the going rate is 30,000 kip/person (as of 2026).

Tadlo is easily navigated on foot. Tad Hang and Tad Lo waterfalls, restaurants, accommodation and several activities can be reached without a motorbike. More distant places can be reached by motorbike, local transport or with an organised excursion.

• Tadlo waterfalls. There are 3 waterfalls in and around Tadlo: Tad Hang, Tad Lo and Tad Soung. Tad Hang and Tad Lo are close to the village and easily reached on foot. Tad Soung is farther away and can be reached on foot, by motorbike or other local transport.
• Swimming is possible in some areas, but conditions vary considerably depending on the season, recent rain and river level. Ask locally before swimming.

• Trekking: Treks with local guides can be arranged at the Tad Lo Tourism Office. Official routes range from short walks to longer treks through the surrounding forest and villages.
• Tad Lo Treasure Hunt: A free, self-guided treasure hunt through the village. Open it on your phone, follow the clues and discover places around Tadlo on foot. No app download is required. Start the Tad Lo Treasure Hunt.
• Treetop adventure course: Fandee Island has a treetop course with 13 ziplines and 10 monkey bridges. No advance booking is usually required.
• Lao cooking class: Local cooking classes can be arranged in Tadlo, offering an introduction to Lao ingredients, recipes and traditional cooking.
• Traditional weaving workshop: Visitors can discover local Katu weaving techniques and learn more about traditional textile making with local artisans.

For up-to-date information about treks, waterfalls, workshops, activities, transport and places to visit around Tadlo, Visit Tad Lo is an independent local guide created in Tadlo. It does not take booking commissions and the places listed can be contacted directly.

There are several small shops around the village selling drinks, snacks and everyday necessities.

• Fandee Island. A relaxed lakeside restaurant within walking distance of Tadlo village, serving Lao, Asian and Western food. Open daily 07:00-21:00. Free drinking water is available.
• Mama Pap. Local restaurant and homestay in the centre of Tadlo, popular with travellers and serving simple Lao and local food.
• Siphaseuth Guest House & Restaurant. Riverside guesthouse with an on-site restaurant serving Lao food and other simple dishes.
• Tina's Homestay. Local homestay in Tadlo also serving meals to guests and travellers.

Several restaurants and guesthouses in Tadlo serve beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, fruit juices and other refreshments.

• Bolaven Garden. Riverside accommodation offering bungalows in a garden setting, with a restaurant on site.
• Fandee Island. A small island within walking distance of Tadlo village offering tree houses, lake houses and larger family accommodation. Restaurant, Wi-Fi and activities are available on site.
• Mama Pap Homestay. Simple budget accommodation in the centre of Tadlo, with a restaurant on site.
• Palamei Guesthouse. Long-established family-run guesthouse offering budget rooms with shared or private bathrooms.
• Siphaseuth Guest House & Restaurant. Next to the river, an established local place to stay.
• Tina's Homestay. Small local homestay in Tadlo with simple accommodation and Wi-Fi.

Mobile internet coverage is available in Tadlo, and several guesthouses and restaurants offer Wi-Fi.

Transport back towards Pakse operates during the day, but schedules and fares can change. There is no formal bus station in Tadlo, so ask your accommodation or the Tad Lo Tourism Office for the latest departure information.

Salavan town is about 30 km away.

For Sekong, Attapeu or other destinations in southern Laos, connections can be made via the main road network. Travellers continuing around the Bolaven Plateau can also continue towards Tad Fan, Tad Yuang and other stops on the loop. Check current transport options locally before departure.