TAD XAY PHA XAY
A Brief Introduction and Trail Map for Tourists

Tadxay and Pha xay are considered to be the most beautiful waterfalls of Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (“PKK”). They’re actually two falls within less than a kilometer. The stream Houay Xay has its source in the northern mountains of the park, meanders through dense and relatively untouched evergreen and dry deciduous forest, and finally empties about 2.5 Km north of Ban Hatkhai into the Nam Mang , one of the three major rivers of the Protected Area .This small stream appears to be a calm and gentle creek with little water during the dry season (October to May) .As soon as the rains start to fall, though, it turns as quickly as it dried out into a roaring ‘wild dangerous beast’ for the rest of the year . Particularly in September, Tad Xay is nothing than a thundering white wall.

By reaching Tad Xay, the crystal clear water of Houay Xay are cascading over seven 1-3 meter steps, and then flowing in a sharp curve to the left through a picturesque small valley, just to plunge only 800 meters downstream over a steep 50 meters cliff into a breathtaking forested gorge.

For your translation: “Tad and Pha’ translate into “waterfall”and “cliff”, respecttively.” Houay” mean “Stream”,while “Nam” is a “river”(but also “water”).

How to get there?

This magnificent place can be reached directly from Vientiane by car or motorbike. By turning left short before entering Thabok (Km 90, highway 13 south), the “dirt”(and during the dry season very dusty) road leads to Ban Houay Leuk(5 Km).Always follow the road signs “National Park”. After crossing a ‘noisy’ iron bridge over the Nam Leuk, turn right just after 1 km. Two kilometers on, you’ll then pass another small village, Ban Hatkhai, which is the ‘gateway’ to this part of the park.

For the time being ,a bridge only half a kilometer before Ban Hatkhai collapsed end of 2002 and is not passable during the raining season , but can be by-passed without major problems during the dry season through the riverbed. The waters can be very deep there. Makeshift bridges have been constructed several times, but were later torn away by torrential waters. These bridges were also very narrow and shaky and it’s on the nerves of the driver to cross. The construction of a new, solid bridge turned out to be too costly for the villagers and it may still take sometime to repair it.

The remainder of the road to Tad Xay /Pha Xay- mostly inside the forest -may occationally get a bit rough and steep. This part after Ban Hatkhai, about 7 km long,is amazingly good. Finally, you’ll reach the parking area, from where you have to explore the beautiful surrounding by foot.

Highly recommended for people who want to experience more of the really beautiful nature around; Ban Hatkhai can offer well trained guides, who will bring you to Tad Xay on a rewarding trip by boat (45 minutes) and relatively easy trekking (ca.1.5 hours walk) through wonderful jungle . Other treks to different destinations can be booked here as well (please see our special brochure about this village and the possibilities for activities offered there).

Ban Hatkhai can also be reached by boat from Thabok in a bit more than two hour’s time. It’s not a regular tour, so you must find someone to bring you there and negotiate for the price. Public transportation from Vientiane is available either from the bus stations at Talat Sao (Morning Market) or at Talat Thad Luang . These busses or pick-ups pass either Thabok or go once a day directly to Ban Hatkhai. Irregular and mostly over-crowed public transport is also available from Thabok to the Long Xan valley, passing Ban Houay Leuk, 1 km after this village at the junction Tad Leuk/Tad Xay, leave the car and walk for about 2 km. Please see also the Phou Khao Khouay brochure (map). The most comfortable way is to hire a vehicle with driver, which can be provided by any tour operator in Vientiane.

Exploring Tad Xay and Pha Xay

Starting at the parking area, two trails are marked with colored triangles:

A. The first is leading to the viewpoint of Pha Xay (white-red markers). Enter the forest less than 100 Meters before you reach the parking area itself (almost there where the incoming road turns sharp left). Watch out for the big tree. A marker should be there ,but people sometimes like to move them…Maybe a big dark ‘hole’ in the otherwise dense vegetation may give you a hint.

On the trail you may sometimes have to climb over few fallen trees, it’s real jungle. After 200 Meters you’ll reach the viewpoint. The view from here is magnificent, particularly during the rainy season.

The safety fence but should be approached with ultimate care! Remember, it’s going down 50 meters straight. And it can be very slippery when wet. Don’t become careless while enjoying the wonderful sight or taking photos. Keep enough distance and don’t crawl under the fence! And don’t forget: the cliff is not fenced over its entire length. And it’s deep. If you walk in the riverbed to Pha Xay to the right (dry season only!), watch your steps! Be careful when you climbing down part of the cliff, it’s difficult to climb up again. Be sure what you’re doing. The way down into the gorge still has to be developed and it is not recommended to give it a try, it may turn out to be difficult to find the way back. Just enjoy the view from top.

B. The other trail ( yellow-red markers), this time to Tad Xay, starts just left of the big signboard, where you have to cross a small bridge .During the dry season you may also be able to cross the river itself and walk up-stream inside the sandstone riverbed along the opposite riverbank to the waterfall.

It’s also a very good place for picnic A large pool with clean water all year round at the foot of Tad Xay invites visitors for a refreshing bath ( A reminder: please don’t forget to bring back your rubbish and do not spoil the water with soaps….! )

The forest here is still good and harbors a good number of wildlife- but you have to be more than patient and lucky to see any of the larger, highly elusive animals! Birds may be silent during day- time but it gets “noisier” in the evening or at dawn. The area is also rewarding for its abundant orchids, ferns, and flowering plants, the latter particularly at the more open places, sometimes filling the surrounding air with a special, ‘bewitching’, scent. Colorful butterflies abound during the rainy season, with some species aggregating in high numbers where the soil is moist and rich in minerals. Open your eyes also for the tiny things around, like grasshoppers, termite streets and many others. There is everywhere something new and wonderful to discover.

Where to stay?

Tad Xay and the nearby Tad Leuk can be visited easily on a one-day trip, either directly by car or even combined with a trekking tour from Ban HatKhai .It is recommended to leave in Vientiane early (it takes about 2 hours drive to Ban HatKhai). After exploring Tad Xay/Pha Xay first,one may also head for Tad Leuk( distance about 20 km)and relax there for a couple of hours and get some rejuvenating drinks before returning to Vientiane.

Camping at Tad Xay may exceptionally be allowed on the parking lot after consulting the park authorities, either at the checkpoint “201” on the park’s border along the road to Long Xan valley, or in Vientiane (see NTA visitor Center to establish the contact).You may also ask the Nai Ban (Village head)of Ban HatKhai. Otherwise, you have the opportunity for camping at the nearby Tad Leuk waterfall (here tents incl.other equipment are available for rent) or for staying in the only one guesthouse in Thabok (Tel: 0551-30087).

The ideal option, though, is an over-night stay in Ban HatKhai. The village is prepared and well equipped for home-stay accommodation. For two dollars per person and night one can experience true rural life in Laos.

Further Information

See our website: www.trekkingcentrallaos.com. and Watch out for our other special brochures particularly about Ban HatKhai, but Ban Na ,Tad Leuk and Phou Khao Khouay as well. For further information, please contact the NTA Tourist Information Center, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane.

Some useful advises and regulations for visitors at Phou Khao Khouay

Welcome to Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area for enjoying an unspoiled and memorable visit in this magnificent park.

To minimize any negative impact on the environment, your cooperation is highly appreciated in helping to protect and preserve the natural beauty and in respecting the dignity of the local people.

Please observe the following rules and safety codes during your visit:

• Be yourself an example for others.

• Awareness and responsibility are the first things to take into the park. Remind other visitors- in a most polite but firm way- on the importance of respecting the environment.

• Stop pollution: Carry out what you carry in (i.e. wrapping, bottles, metal, glass, or plastic). Where available, place your garbage in containers provided. Remember, litter can kill wildlife.

• Protect wildlife and the environment: Please do not collect, disturb, harm or destroy animals and plants, respectively. This includes the scratching of graffiti on trees and rocks. Don’t buy wildlife or souvenirs made out of it.

• Prevent forest fires – particularly in the dry season: campfires are not allowed at Tad Xay. Please take care not to start fires with discarded cigarette butts. Broken glass, left unattended, can start fires, too.

• If you have children,take special care close to the river!

• Please abide by all notices in the park.

On trek and tours into unknown territory

• Never trek alone. Always hire a guide.

• Do not underestimate the physical strain you may encounter during trekking tours in difficult terrain and strange climatic conditions.

• Don’t forget to bring enough food and especially drinking water with you.

• Do not climb steep cliffs. Rocks maybe loose and slippery.

• Do not underestimate the power of water when crossing rivers with strong currents. Always use a stick the check the depth of the water.

• Never reach into holes and crevices with an unprotected hand.

• Watch out for thorny plants and sharp edges of bamboo (particularly at eye level).

And – please keep in mind: The park authorities cannot take any responsibility for injuries or damage to your equipment. In case of an accident and you’re on an un-guided tour, please go to Ban HatKhai to call for help.