Khone Phapheng Falls, Waterfall system in Champasak Province, Laos

Khone Phapheng Falls span the full width of the Mekong in Champasak Province, broken by a long line of grey-brown rocky ledges and islands into many separate cascades. The highest drop reaches 21 metres (69 feet), and the succession of rapids runs 9.7 km along the river. The churning white water throws up mist, while the pool below turns pale turquoise-green.

The falls blocked upstream navigation for centuries and forced traders to carry goods overland. The French attempted to build railway tracks along the river during colonial times to bypass them.

Fishermen from the area still use woven bamboo traps secured between the rocks to harvest from the river. Visitors often see bamboo structures extending over the water, which serve as fishing platforms during the season.

Platforms on both banks offer different vantage points, with the southern side closer to the main cascades. The best views occur during the rainy season when water levels rise and the cascades appear stronger.

The falls are the main reason the Mekong cannot be navigated all the way into China. In the late 19th century French colonialists made repeated attempts to get boats past them; all failed, so they built the Don Det–Don Khon railway instead. The endangered plabuck catfish, said to reach 3 m and 293 kg, lives in these waters.