Luang Prabang, is no longer a travel secret! This ancient city in the north of Laos is a great place to enjoy and soak in the goodness of nature at its very best. Nestled at the confluence of two rivers, right beneath a temple-topped hillock, this city is a patchwork of traditional Lao houses with hints and hues of European architecture.
The relatively small city has a charming atmosphere and a number of scenic attractions to visit. Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang Laos is one such tourist hot spot that is so pretty, it may cause you to tear up in awe.
Where Is Kuang Si Falls Located?
The Kuang Si Falls is a three-leveled cascading waterfall located about 29 kilometers to the south of Luang Prabang city. These mesmerizing waterfalls also known by the name of Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, are a favorite one-day trip for tourists visiting Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Map
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Interesting Kuang Si Falls Facts
- Location: 29km south of Luang Prabang, Laos
- Height: 50m drop
- Opening Hours: Every day from 8:00 until 17.30
- Kuang Si waterfall entrance fee: 20,000 kips
- Hiking time: 15-20 minutes
Best Time To Visit Kuang Si Falls
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The best time to visit the beautiful Kuang Si falls is a few months after the rain has ceased. The cascading pools begin to settle after the monsoon and the turquoise color returns around November. So, plan a visit to Kuang Si waterfall anytime from December through to April and May. Remember, that the waterfall does get crowded during weekends. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, you are better off planning an early visit on a weekday. Have your hotel pack you a picnic hamper and don’t forget to carry water, sunglasses, and some sunscreen on your Kuang Si falls tour.
How To Get To Kuang Si Falls
By Tuk Tuk:
Getting to Kuang Si is rather easy. Get onto a tuk tuk from the city center of Luang Prabang. The trip will cost you about US $22 to $25. The tuk tuk driver will not just take you to the falls, but also wait for you and take you back into town. The ride takes about 50 minutes each way. You may also travel in a group of 3-4 people and split the cost.
By Minivan:
You may also book a seat on one of the many minivans operated by travel agencies in the city. Your schedule, however may not be as flexible as when you hire a tuk tuk. The van will leave for the falls at 11:30 and head back at 13:30.
By Boat:
A fun way to get to the waterfalls is traveling by boat. The ride offers great views of the Mekong River and scenic mountains. The boat ride takes about an hour and you will dropped off at the nearest stop to the fall from where you will have to board a pickup truck to traverse the last few kilometers to Kuang Si.
By Bike:
Intrepid travelers may also hop onto the back of a bike and speed through the roads to get to Kuang Si. A bike can be rented at Luang Prabang for about $20. Do watch out for kids and animals jumping onto your path out of nowhere!
By Car:
You may also arrange a private tour to the waterfalls by hiring a private car and driver. This will cost you about $70, but is worth every penny spent.
Places To Visit Near Kuang Si Falls
Take a look at the places to visit near Kuang Si Falls while holidaying there to have the experience of a lifetime.
1. Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre
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Before you head out to the cascading pools of the beautiful waterfall, stroll through the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center. While this rescue center at first glance may seem more like a rudimentary zoo with barely much to see; it is sanctuary that is home to over 20 black bears rescued from dire circumstances. Some of these Asiatic bears have spent their lives at inhumane tiny cages while others have spent their time in Bear Bile farms to have their bile harvested. They have been rescued and given shelter at large enclosures with pools, hammocks, and play areas in their new home at the bear center. This rescue center doesn’t receive, any percentage of the entry fee paid towards Kuang Si. So, buy a t-shirt and mementos sold at the falls, if you wish to support the cause.
2. Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park
On the way up to Kuang Si, you will pass by a pretty garden flocked with butterflies. Take a personal tour with the owner and know about the life cycle of butterfly. The care and attention to detail into the design of this sanctuary is truly amazing. Grab a sandwich and some coffee at the café on the premises and relish your snack sitting at a long table by the pond. If you have time to spare, you may also rejuvenate your tired feet at the fish foot spa for a few kips.
3. Laos Buffalo Dairy
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This is a must do on any trip to Kuang Si Falls, especially if you have children. This fantastic initiative is run by a bunch of local who are trying to educate farmers in better farming ways. The tour of the diary is absolutely amazing as you will get to milk, feed, and even wash buffalos. The cake, coffee, and ice cream tasting at the end of the tour is an added bonus.
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Things To Do At Kuang Si Falls
Visiting Kuang Si Falls? There are a lot of things you can do near the falls. We have listed the best ones, take a look!
1. Swim In The Turquoise Pools
The best part about these stunning falls is that apart from being mind-blowingly gorgeous, you can also take a quick dip in the tiered pool of blue waters. There are a number of pools that you can swim in at the main area. That is not all! There are rope swings and tree, from which you can dive into the pools. Now, if that isn’t fun, what is? However, take note of and pay heed to any signs that say no swimming in certain areas.
2. Hike To The Top of The Falls
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Most visitors congregate around the picnic area and lower pools. You could venture further to the small wooden footbridge that offers unobstructed views of the main fall. The hike will take no more than 15 minutes and isn’t very strenuous. At some parts you may find the terrain a tad bit tricky. The steps do not have railings and you will find water flowing over the path in some parts. This tricky hike is totally worth it, when you find yourself looking right over the breathtaking countryside below. Once you are ready to leave, take the path to the right. The way down is smooth, steep and step free and easy for most hikers to tackle.
3. Picnic At The Lower Levels
We recommend packing your lunch and some snacks, or picking some up at the market on the way to the falls. There are a number of picnic tables on the lower levels that are ideal for a snack stop to rest your tired feet before you set out exploring again.
4. Snap An Epic Selfie At The Footbridge
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Nothing beats the breathtaking views that await you at the wooden footbridge that extends out above the pools on the lower level. A powerful 50 m drop of blue water tumbling over yellow stones, gives you the opportunity to snap some Instagram worthy selfie without a dozen people in the background!
5. Shop At The Kuang Si Falls Market
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Do stop by the local market just besides the parking area for a quick bite of barbequed meat and some cold beer. This is a great place to shop for souvenirs and mementos to take back home. There are a number of handicraft shops to browse as well as a couple of bars that serve Nam Khong beer.
Accomodation Options Near Kuang Si Falls
Sadly, there are no hotels or lodges near Kuang Si falls, which means that you will have to stay in Luang Prabang and make a day trip to the falls. Thankfully, there is no shortage of accommodation options in this dreamy UNESCO-protected city. You may use the options below to find the one best suited to you.
1. The Luang Say Residence
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This is a 4 star property set on a hillside with beautiful countryside views. This upscale hotel has rooms airy, understated rooms with balconies and come with flat screen televisions. Villas on the property have private pools. The hotel also has a stylish restaurant with terrace seating, 3 bars – one on the rooftop, and an outdoor pool that has a beautiful sun deck and loungers.
Address: 4-5 ban Phonepheng, Luang Prabang, Laos
Phone: +856 71 260 891
Rate: $175 per night
Website | Reviews
2. Le Sen Boutique Hotel
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This is a laid back hotel that is close to most popular tourist attractions. The hotel offers bright, minimalist rooms with amenities such as free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and an exercise room.
Address: 113 Manomai Road Ban Mano, Luang Prabang, Manomai Rd, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos
Phone: +856 71 261 668
Rate: $80 per night
Website | Reviews
3. Vang Thong Hotel
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This is an excellent 3-star property that offers backpackers basic amenities. The hotel has a welcoming atmosphere, and is equipped with a 24 hour tour desk, free public parking, deposit boxes, and hot shower facilities. All these amenities and half the price you would pay in a luxe resort.
Address: Nongkham Village, Phetsarath Roat Luangprabang, Laos
Phone: +856 21 253 728
Rate: $25 per night
If a vacation amidst the serenity of nature is on your mind, then book your Laos holiday package with TravelTriangle, and capture the beauty of the Kuang Si Waterfalls while you enjoy every minute stunned by its charm!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kuang Si Falls
Where is Kuang Si Falls butterfly park?
Kuang Si Falls, Butterfly park is located on the way up to the falls.
Where is Kuang Si Falls secret pool?
Kuang Si Falls, secret pool is located near the main waterfall where you can go by hiking steep through the Laotian jungle.
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A mass-media graduate, Priyanka is a passionate writer and an avid traveler. Whether it’s about capturing the sunsets or hogging up some delicious food from different places, she never leaves a second to decide. Her mantra of keep going is “work, save, travel, repeat” which she lives by heart.
