Falls View Resort Tad E-Tu

The falls were the best we saw on this stretch, down at the bottom of the loop, and you can swim there too. From the top, park and take the old concrete steps with metal rails, then head right. The gate to the abandoned, pilfered resort was wide open. The last 100m on a bike felt a little sketchy but was doable. Watch for loose gravel and craters left by the wet season on the final slope, plus the occasional cow 😂. I'm surprised nobody local has started charging tourists at the old gatehouse yet, though I doubt it'll be long. Definitely worth a stop.

It was easy to get inside, but the abandoned place didn't feel safe. Someone seems to be living in one of the resort buildings: clothes were hanging there, and I could hear a TV or radio through broken windows. The day before, I also saw a shady-looking guy staring at me.

The waterfall below the accommodation is beautiful, and you can swim or just hang out there. The rooms are good quality for a fair price. It's well off the beaten track, but worth finding if you're in Laos and nearby for at least one night. A heads-up for April, during summer: you might be the only guests, and the restaurant can be dark and empty at dinner. Check with the staff that dinner will be available, since there's nothing else for several kilometres.

We stayed three nights and loved it. The cottages are spacious, dotted among the trees, and lovely inside. The restaurant food was fabulous, and the staff were fantastic, always smiling and willing to do whatever they could for you. There are some nice walks nearby to the waterfalls and coffee villages. We got here easily by bus from Pakse without transport. If you're staying longer, though, you'd probably need a way to get around.