Safe to swim at waterfalls and in caves re diseases?

Hi, I%26#39;ve read alot about all these wonderful places to swim (around the waterfalls at LP and also around Vang Vieng) but I%26#39;m just wondering about the safety from diseases. For example all the guidebooks say don%26#39;t drink the water etc...well, what about swimming in the water and you accidentally drink some? Is this a risk? Has anyone heard of people getting sick from swimming in these natural places?

I really really want to take the kids (4 and 7) to swim in these wild natural places but am wondering about the health aspect. If anyone has any advice I%26#39;d be very grateful. Thank you.

Safe to swim at waterfalls and in caves re diseases?

';Wild natural places';? I don%26#39;t know what you are expecting to find Joy....Btw don%26#39;t worry about going swimming.

Safe to swim at waterfalls and in caves re diseases?

If the water is moving fast flowing you are reportedly ok, never swim where the water is still. I know someone who got a nasty parasite from water in Laos. That said the river where you go tubing is flowing and looked pretty clear to me.

Thanks for the information. Does that mean that Laos isn%26#39;t %26#39;natural and wild%26#39;? My partner and I were there over 10 years ago when that is what impression it made on us..have things changed so much?....There were hardly any places to stay back then and hardly any visitors.....mmm....so, anyway, the waterfall area is safe to swim in?

Thank you....

Went to the waterfalls about 32km out of Luang Prabang just last week. They are amazing and set in beautiful rain forest. As far as swimming there are 2 or 3 different levels to swim at. Things to be aware of are: sharp and slippery rocks, varying water depth and fast flowing water particularly just under the falls. BUT there are certain pools there suitable for the kids. I was there on a Sunday and there were plenty of locals (who aren%26#39;t that keen on swimming) but they were just enjoying paddling around in the shallow areas. The water is refreshingly cool too! As the rock is limestone the water is a beautiful turquoise colour (obviously the darker it is the deeper). Plenty of western tourists jump off the tree overhanging the biggest pool but for reasons (see above) I chose not to.