Laos day 12 – Luang Prabang

Imagine numerous gently cascading limestone pools each over-flowing with crystal clear, pale azure waters and surrounded by dense jungle and you  are at Tad Se waterfall.  We have taken a mini bus to this picturesque beauty spot 15 km south of Luang Prabang near the village of  Ban Aen.  Once at Ban Aen it is five minute ride upstream in a long boat to the point at which the falls of the Huay Sae river meet Nam Khan.  We linger here for about an hour-and-an-half taking advantage of the bamboo walkways to explore around the pools.  There are a few other people here and it is possible to swim in the pools if you fancy braving the chilly waters.  This is also a point from which it is possible to take an elephant ride and by late afternoon there are several elephants chained in a compound.  It is fascinating to watch as the mahouts manage their charges.  With a combination of feet movements behind the ears and a sharp pick-axe type tool to prod the elephants’ thick hides, they are able to get them to turn this way and that, pick up their chains and so on.