There is a wonderful way to escape the heat of Laos in the off-season. Half an hour out of Luang Prabang is a waterfall of impressive proportions. There isn't a lot to say about a waterfall - it's a natural beauty that is to be enjoyed just as is. I can say that the water was surprisingly cold, which made for very refreshing swimming and that there was a rope swing that was in constant demand and great fun. The actual waterfall is made up of many layers and the trip to the very top of it is an arduous but interesting walk. We went all the way to the top on one side and down again on the other side.

If you are ever fortunate enough to visit this waterfall be sure to give yourself a whole day. There is so much to see and it's great fun. One half of me wishes we had gone back again. The waterfall is used extensively by tourists and locals alike but somehow it seems untouched by either. It was easily one of the highlights of Laos.