Tad Fane Resort, Bolaven Plateau

Built from natural materials

Located on the Boloven Plateau in Southern Laos, the Tad Fane Resort overlooks the Tad Fane waterfalls, thundering down in a 200 metre deep gorge. Beyond the waterfalls stretches the extensive jungle of Dong Hua Sao, one of the 18 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas in the country. Open since 2000, Tad Fane is one of Laos's pioneering nature resorts.

Thanks to its location at an elevation of 1,100 metres and surrounded by forests, temperatures are much lower than elsewhere in Laos. Even in the hottest period of the year, March and April, temperatures in the daytime usually do not reach over 27 Celsius, while at night it cools down considerably. Starting in July, when rain starts to fall more regularly, temperatures drop and a sweater, in addition to a raincoat, is recommended. Do definitely pack warm clothes when staying between November and February!

This is an eco-tourism destination. Tourism means jobs and an alternative income to hunting, small-scale logging and other detrimental activities in the forest. Nature trails, varying in length and difficulty start right at the resort and the staff or villagers are always willing to guide you.

While mammals are under heavy pressure from hunting and thus spotted only when venturing deep in the forest, birds have returned to the safe-area around the resort. Locals who have promised to stop hunting are welcomed by the resort to sell their handicrafts and produce (such as green tea) to visitors.

The resort has a total of 14 comfortable rooms in bungalow-style houses. The rooms all have a private bathroom with toilet and hot water shower. Go to sleep to the sound of chirping cicades and the distant thunder of the huge Tad Fane Falls. Wake up, refreshed, by the sound of singing birds!

With its unique 2-storey design, the restaurant offers a fantastic view over the twin falls of Tad Fane (left). The menu consists of Lao, Thai and Western specialities. Vegetables and fish are bought fresh from the local market. High-quality products hard to get in Laos, such as curries, good meat and cheese are brought in from Thailand. Choose from the selection of wines to go with your meal!

Don't forget to taste the famous Bolaven Coffee (and take some home as souvenir)! The evenings can be spent enjoying cool evenings around the fireplace next to the bar, sipping cocktails, wine or beer while swapping stories with fellow travellers and the staff.