Phou Khouay National park

Set out by scooter to swim in the waterfalls in the National park. I knew the route out as the city is very organized and was told the turnoff to "route 13 south" was 5km from the bus station. Lonely planet said southern entrance to the park was 26km.... In some ways the small towns one passes through are similar to Vietnam- but a much, much smaller scale as the population is so much smaller. The primary difference is that everywhere in Vietnam outside of cities, all land appeared to be cultivated. Rice, corn, coffee, lemons, avocados, etc. In Laos I do not see that at all. The park turned out to be much farther tan anticipated-close to 100km to the turnoff for both Tad Xay and Nam Leek falls. Then finally a sign indicating another 13km, a ranger station with an official gate house and crossing gate that had to be raised (but no fee-yet), then another sign indicating a further 4km, followed by another sign with another 4km posted.... It was almost time to turn around as the road was basically not drivable by this point. Finally a parking sign and I could see the water. The river was wide and it appeared like you could wade across and or jump from rock to rock, but the stones were slippery. I found a nice deep hole , almost like a private plunge tub and enjoyed a peaceful float in the cool moving water.