It is said that eating fruit from the first branch of the tree will grant eternal youth, eating fruit from the second branch will bring great power and fame, but being overly gluttonous and eating fruit from the third branch is said to transform you into a monkey — so trying this is not advised.
This treasured tree, once standing proud at the top of the falls and believed by locals to be over years old, was sadly destroyed in a storm in However, visitors to the Khone Falls now are sure to notice a specially built shrine containing the sacred shrub, which was successfully recovered from the water in early The legend certainly seems to live on, with the shouting of hordes of barefooted children creating a counterpoint to the rumbling of the waterfalls, as they try to sell hand-drawn pictures of the revered Manikhot Tree to embattled and bewildered tourists.
This means that Khone Falls is one of the main reasons the Upper Mekong remains so wild and untouched, and nature has been allowed to thrive. Nearby if you are lucky, you can see a small pod of the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
The falls are also home to the fabled Mekong giant catfish, a species of catfish believed to be the largest freshwater fish in the world a specimen weighing a massive lbs was caught at Khone Falls in ! This area was historically part of the kingdom of Lan Xang Hom Khao literally Kingdom of a Million Elephants Under the White Parasol and whilst sadly you would be very lucky to spot an elephant at the falls today, the surrounding area is a designated IBA Important Bird Area and contains many species including the grey-faced tit babbler, the rare green peafowl, red-collared woodpecker and Siamese fireback.
The settlements surrounding the Khone Falls and on the islands of Si Phan Don are primarily fishing villages. The locals tend to travel around in longtail boats and the tenacity, inventiveness and bravery of local fishermen is a sight to behold. You can find them using many of the impossibly ramshackle bamboo platforms typical to all waterfalls in the area, or standing waist-deep in the rapids hurling nets into the foaming torrent.
Reports vary as to which is the best time to visit the Khone Falls. Some say it is best to visit in the dry season because in the rainy season the river swells considerably and many of the falls and rapids disappear under the water level. However, in the rainy season when the river is at full flood the larger falls are more impressive.
Laos has a primarily tropical monsoon climate , with a pronounced rainy season from May to October, a cool dry season from November to February, and a hot dry season through March and April.
During the rainy season, the falls and surrounding area will be more lush, fertile and green, and river travel on the Mekong is much easier, but humidity levels will also be higher which many people may find uncomfortable. The weather will be the most pleasant in the dry season between October and April, but therefore it is likely that there will be more tourists around during this time.
So the best time of year to visit the falls really is down to individual preference. The best time of day to visit is in the morning before 11 am when more tourists begin arriving.
At this time you may be lucky enough to catch a rainbow in the mist above the falls as you sit and take in the picturesque beauty of the surrounding vista. Infrastructure at the falls and in the surrounding area is very good. There are buggy-type shuttle cars to carry you around the area if your legs need a rest, and there are viewpoints and large, well-maintained observation decks with benches that give fantastic views over the falls.
Most of the signage and information boards contain English translations and there are also many restaurants in the area. Predictably the main dishes here consist of fresh fish from the Mekong, be it grilled, fried or steamed, but the food is delicious and diverse.
Another notable attraction is a coffee shop claiming to serve the best coffee in the whole of Laos, and why would they lie about something like that? Visiting The Khone Falls is an absolute must for anyone visiting the area. You can certainly feel the magic and spirituality in this place where nature and humanity meet. While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site.
Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information. The contrasting landscapes and cultural complexities of the lush Mekong River Delta in Vietnam layers one iconic scene upon another: rice fields; orchards laden with exotic fruits; farmers and fishermen in classic […].
Laos is a hidden gem with a rich cultural diversity that comes from the 49 ethnic groups that influence its food, arts, customs, and festivals. Read on for a list of things […]. Here is a guide […]. Between its jagged limestone cliffs, brooding jungle and the snaking Mekong River, Laos is an adventure playground all in one bite-sized destination.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out this list […]. Nestled in between China, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam, Laos is a cultural melting pot — and not just because of its French colonial past. Twenty years of war, followed by three decades […]. Watch your money and valuables: We suggest bring just a little bit of cash. Watch your phone and valuables. Avoid transport scams: Sometimes, there are scams involving transportation or renting equipment.
Laotians dress conservatively, and they get embarrassed or offended when men and women show too much skin. Wear tops at the falls. You can choose the option best for you and the time that you want to spend. Work out in detail with your driver how long he will wait for you. If possible, don't pay in advance, but pay at the end of the trip. Go through people with good reputations: To avoid problems, we suggest that your hotel or hostel arranges a ride with someone reputable to avoid problems such as drivers driving off or overcharging.
If you pick your own ride, try to get in with a group of other tourists. We don't recommend going by yourself in a vehicle or with a motorcycle driver for touring outside of town. Air-conditioned car: The climate is very hot and humid.
We'll provide comfortable and cool transport. Because the closest airport, Pakse Airport PKZ is 3 and a half hours away from the waterfall, it makes sense to go by road from many places far away, perhaps even from as far as Vang Vieng. Here are some examples. If you are taking a bus from Vang Vieng to Don Det, it takes 48 hours.
Then you still have to go on to the waterfalls. We can turn this otherwise tiring and long trip into a two or three-day scenic road tour with stops at highlights along the way and restful accommodations. Having a personal driver and expert tour guide is a great benefit. The Mekong River and the many islands makes travel more time consuming and complicated. So you might as well go by road vehicle all the way from numerous locations in central and northern Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
We can turn your trip to the waterfall into a great inland tour with stops, meals, accommodations and things to do along the way as you specify. It is safer than public travel, and more enjoyable.
Contact us, and we'll provide the expert advice to help you design your own tour. We are a big regional travel company experienced with tours in Southeast Asia and can arrange a multi-country trip that is an enjoyable adventure. At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace.
You can have any trip tailor made for your travel. Banking and Currency in Laos. How to Apply for a Laos Visa. Vientiane Weather, Climate, and a 5-Day Forecast. History of Laos. Worry-free planning: Every step of your trip, you will be looked after by your travel consultant based in Asia.
No-risk booking: We refund as much as we can and adapt flexibly to unexpected changes. Top Attractions of Laos.
0コメント