Khon Pha Peng Waterfall (น้ำตกคอนพะเพ็ง) is just one of a group of beautiful water falls located in southern Laos just across the border from Ubon Ratchathani.
I love travelling to Laos and especially love the area around Pakse. I get the feeling that a lot of people who live or visit here do not explore over the border because of the hassle of getting there. I have my own car and once you have sorted out a passport for it (very easy and cheap) it is a breeze to pop across for a day or two of exploring. Not everyone however has this opportunity so I am happy to blog about a bus service that I just discovered.
According to TRWeekly there is a new bus service now available. They say that air-conditioned buses operate a single service on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The bus leaves Ubon Ratchathani at 0730 and arrives at the waterfall in southern Laos around noon. From Khon Pha Peng, it departs at 1400 and arrives in Ubon Ratchathani around 1830. The bus also stops in Pakse for travellers who want to overnight there. The cost is 400 baht one way. From what I can work out it would appear that the service departs from the main bus station here in Ubon.
Thanks for this. I too usually go by car nowadays, but it’s good to know I don’t have to.
The bus that runs (twice a day, I think) from Ubon to Pakse can’t be relied on to wait for you while you get a Lao visa at the border, so it’s best to get one beforehand. Fine, if you are coming from BKK. At least, that is what I have been told. Do you know if there are any travel agents in Ubon who can get a visa in advance for you?
Hi Lawrence,
Thanks for your comment. I was unaware that there were ever any issues with the bus that goes through to Pakse. I have taken it as have my sister and brother on different occasions. I guess it is such a routine visa application that unless you have some incorrect paperwork then it is just a formality and doesn’t take any longer then five to ten minutes. I am unaware of any travel agents in Ubon that offer this service although that doesn’t mean it isn’t available.
Certainly a lovely waterfall and not dry at all like some currently in Thailand.
Out of curiosity, do the Laos double-charge foreigners visiting national parks and historical temples like they do in Thailand? Can they tell the difference between Laotians and Thais?
Good question Michael. To be honest I didn’t really notice. When I was over there I only went into one ‘national park’ and I think I was charged 20 baht. Given that is 10% of the Thai price I didn’t ask any questions! Hopefully someone else will be able to answer.