A colossal 300 metres in the air, above Laos’ largest waterfall is Tad Fane zipline: the highest zipline in Laos. The breathtaking views, matched with the adrenaline-provoking heights, produce an experience like no other: the best of my Southeast Asia trip thus far.
An hour's drive from Pakse, Tad Fane waterfall can be easily reached by moped. If you’re uncomfortable driving yourself however, you can arrange for a tuk tuk to drive you there, wait while you zipline and drive you back, all for around 400,000 kip (£15). There are many tour companies in Pakse that advertise Tad Fane zipline as an excursion, however, these agencies will overcharge you for both the journey there and the ziplining ticket; I suggest sorting both yourself if your purse strings are as tight as mine.
Once you arrive, you will be charged 25,000 kip (£1) to enter the waterfall and, if you're anything like me, you’ll then spend the next hour deliberating whether ziplining across a waterfall, which seemed a lot less terrifying on Tiktok, is a good idea.
Contrary to popular belief, the Tad Fane zipline experience isn’t just one zipline, but a collection of four, encircling the waterfall, broken up by a tightrope-esque highline, and a short scramble up a hill. Altogether, the affair lasts just over half an hour and for this, you’ll pay 750,000 kip (£28). However, for an extra 100,000 kip (£4) I strongly urge you to pay for the video experience, in which a guide will follow you along the ziplines and video the whole thing for you. The memories they capture are far greater than any souvenir you could purchase in a gift shop. I also found that paying the extra couple of pounds made for a much more relaxing experience; I could live in the moment, instead of viewing it through a phone screen, which is all too common these days!
Ziplining around Tad Fane may be a walk in the park to anyone with a Red Bull sponsor, but for us mere mortals, it takes a LOT of courage. Building up to the first zipline (which is by far the longest and most daunting at 470 metres) is no easy feat. However, after the initial 5 seconds of sheer panic, comes serene tranquility, followed by a euphoric buzz of pride in yourself and dazzlement at the immense views below. After conquering the most daunting task first, nerves subside and confidence reigns: the remaining 3 ziplines come easy; you’ll be soaring through tree tops with swagger, wondering why you were clinging on for dear life in the first place.
Once you’ve finished with the zipline, and rewarded yourself with a pint to steady your hand, you should stick around before thinking about heading back to your hostel. Nearby Tad Gneuang (pictured below) and Tad Champee waterfalls are both great for a cold plunge, and the neighboring Bolaven Plateau Coffee plantation is well worth a stop for any caffeine connoisseurs.
Ziplining around Tad Fane waterfall was the best experience of my life and certainly a huge box ticked off of my bucket list. If you’re in Laos, you can not pass up on such a breathtaking experience: it’s the best £32 you will ever spend.