Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by admin
The aqua coloured paradise called Kuang Si is Waterfalls are naturally formed falls and gives an option of hiking to the top as well as swim in those gorgeous water pools. The Kuang Si Falls are a must-visit when you are in Luang Prabang or in Laos. Read on to know more.
Luang Prabang is known for its French colonial architecture, Mekong river and grand temples. But there’s something bigger to look forward to. The area has many waterfalls that are perfect for one day trip from Luang Prabang. Although each waterfall is beautiful in its own way, the pristine limestone waterfalls – Kuang Si Waterfalls is one of the best and visiting it is one of the must things to do in Luang Prabang.
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About Kuang Si Waterfalls Luang Prabang
When you arrive, walk along a marked trail to reach the first set of pools. You will probably see a lot of people swimming and it will most certainly tempt you to dive in. But before you do, it is best to check out the entire area, decide on the right pool and then swim in the best! Continue on the trail uphill and notice how the pools get bigger with cleaner waters. Do notice small waterfalls cascading over limestone rocks, thick trees engulfing the entire area overhead and small fishes at your feet – like a fish spa.
Once you pass the smaller pools, you’ll come up to the largest fall, the gorgeous Kuang Si Waterfalls. Its time to set up the camera and click some gorgeous photos of the cascading waterfalls overlooking the jungle.
How to reach Kuang Si Waterfalls from Luang Prabang
The Kuang Si Falls in Laos is located 23 km south of Luang Prabang and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach from the centre of town making it a perfect day trip from Luang Prabang. Reaching the waterfalls is easy and accessible, with plenty of transport options available – Tuk-tuks (private or shared), public van, private car, motorbike and boat. If you are feeling a bit adventurous you can even bike to waterfalls from Luang Prabang.
Visiting hours: 8:00 to 17:30
Entrance fees: 20,000 kip per person including camera fees and entry to bear rescue centre
Kuang Si Falls Activities
Trekking to the top of falls
From the biggest waterfall, on its either sides, you will find muddy steps which can take you to the top of the waterfalls. A steep yet short hike of 20 minutes will take you into the untouched and surreal world. The top is the kind of location where movies are shot and one can get amazing Instagram photos.
A steady stream of water flows a the top before it hits the 50m drop to form the stunning waterfall. You can take a canoe ride on this stream. A small shop owner who sells water can help you go on this ride.
If you have more time in hand, trek for 3 km to reach a Secret cave near a spring and have the entire area to yourself.
Love trekking? Check a guide on Nong Khiaw not far from Laos Kuang Si Falls.
Enjoy the pristine nature
Sit down on the wooden benches set up near most pools. Enjoy the sight of aqua colored water. Or sit down near the pool and dip your feet in the cold water for a free fish spa! Just soak in the unspoilt nature. May be having a snack here is good idea too.
Swim in the pools
Yes, swimming in the pools is allowed unless specified in certain areas. However, diving is strictly prohibited. You need to be careful in these pool as there are deep waters in certain areas and no lifeguard on duty!
Tip: There are changing rooms for men and women before and after you take the dip.
Visit the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre
When you entre through the entrance gate, you will come across Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre even before you hike towards the waterfalls. The centre is operated by Free the Bears organization who have helped rescue and relocate more than 20 Asiatic Black Bears. See them in a playful mood or just taking a nap before you move on to the falls.
Best time to visit Kuang Si Waterfalls
The best time to visit Kuang Si Waterfalls is from November to April. The weather is pleasant and the water in the pools are settled post-monsoon. However, if you happen to visit the waterfalls between May to October, the falls would have a totally different look and swimming would not be possible.
Kuang Si Waterfalls Tips
- Shoes – Proper walking/hiking shoes are highly recommended if you trek to the top.
- Comfortable clothing – Shorts and t-shirts are ideal for this place with a change in a swimming costume.
- Drinking water and some snacks – Even in winter months, the jungle can get a bit humid. It is best to carry your own water and you will need a snack after the hike. There are 2 shops – one at the bottom near the pools and one at the top but they are extremely expensive.
- Mosquito repellent – Thanks to the lush green forest and waterfalls, there are way too many mosquitoes for comfort. It’s best to carry a mosquito repellent.
You can also check out Tad Sae Waterfalls which are near Luang Prabang.
Sustainable tips for Kuang Si Falls visit
- Reusable water bottle – Though it is important to carry drinking water, carry in a reusable and refillable bottle.
- Do not litter – It is perfectly okay to snack near the waterfall, but do not litter the pristine areas. Use a trash bin to dispose of snack pouches or pet bottles. Or even better, take it back to the hotel.
- Do not go in the water applying sunscreen lotion/mosquito repellent creams – Cosmetic products use many known and unknown chemicals. They may or may not react with the natural flora and fauna of the area. Why take the chance? Best is to avoid it. For mosquitoes, apply an organic roll on, on clothes.
- Respect the nature – Though you may get the most perfect shot and a thousand likes for the photo, do not in any way harm the natural formations of the waterfalls or trees for a vantage point.
- Do not feed the bears – After reading their sad stories, you may be tempted to give them a snack, but don’t. Buy a souvenir instead so that the organization taking care of them can feed them.
Read More posts from Laos:
- Luang Prabang Night Market
- Sustainable tourism in Luang Prabang
- Ethical cheese at Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm
Disclosure: I was invited by Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and Luang Prabang Tourism Board on a FAM trip. However, all opinions are unbiased and of my own.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.
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27 comments
Traveling as a family with a toddler, we only made it to the main waterfall but did not trek up to the top. I can’t believe how calm the stream looks like considering the waterfall was so loud, it engulfed any noise around it!
Wow, it looks like a tropical fairy tale! I would love to take a dip in those waters! I’d never heard of this place before, but I would love to go!
The water is so placid and clear I can see the fishes! The terraces look lovely. The surroundings look pretty peaceful too.
So many things to do in Kuang Si Waterfalls that I think I would enjoy a lot like getting a free fresh spa, swimming in the water pool, and checking out bear in the rescue centre. Is interaction with the bear allowed or they can be seen from the distance only?
What it beautiful place!! It looks so peaceful and relaxing. I would definitely want to hike to the very top – want to avoid as many crowds as possible haha.
Such a lovely peek at a living paradise. The pools and the waterfalls look absolutely magical. Love there is an Asiatic Black Bears rescue center! It is absolutely horrifying these bears, prior to rescue, were likely held in a bear bile farm — estimates not so long ago believe there are up to 1,000 bears still being held illegally in bear bile farms.
It is truly sad to think people still captivate wild animals. I wish all of the 1000 are released back into nature or there is a dedicated sanctuary for them.
I love visiting waterfalls! It feels like such a reward after a small hike to find the waterfall at the end! The swimming pools here look absolutely gorgeous, with the rock formations creating different areas in front of the waterfall. This sounds like it would be a fun hike, and from your pictures it certainly is very pretty!
I did not have a decent photo of one of the falls wherein it goes right over the stairs when you are trekking. I cannot describe the child like feeling you get trying to cross it!
We visited Luang Prabang 5 years ago, but mostly all the temples in the town itself, and went up the river to explore some smaller villages. But unfortunately we didn’t go to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Now seeing the colors of the water we kinda regret it. Next time hopefully!
Oh you must visit it next time! There are over 5 known waterfalls. You could visit the Tad Sae which is quite similar to Kuang Si!
Oh my! The Kuang Si falls look like paradise. I would love to take a dip in the pools – so refreshing after the hike to get there. Glad there is an Asiatic Bear Rescue centre but always find it horrifying that there needs to be a rescue centre at all… Will add these gorgeous falls to the “bucket list!”
Such a beautiful place – and much more to do than I thought there was. I’m glad the bears have been rescued, poor things! The water must be very clean to have so many fish in.
Now that I’m based in Vietnam, I absolutely want to head over to Laos sooner than later, but I didn’t know hardly anything about the country! This was a great introduction to a truly beautiful spot that I will absolutely try to visit when I do go. I’m shocked to see that people can swim in the pools; in the first picture, they look like they might be only a few inches deep. Thanks for sharing, Ketki!
Those pools look gorgeous! I’d love to go for a swim in them (and yay for the change rooms as well). And the Save the Bears center sounds interesting as well!
Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang in Laos look like an amazing place to connect with nature. That view from the top of the waterfall is stunning and it is great that you can take a dip in the pools. The bear rescue center looks like a great place as well. Thanks for adding the sustainable tips at the end so we can visit Laos responsibly.
Oh my gosh!!! Everything about this trip looks magical. The hike, the nature, those POOLS! Wow!
Wow! The Kuang Si Falls look amazing! I would love to take a dip in one of those and make the trek to the top.
For someone who loves chasing waterfalls, I am embarrassed that I didn’t know about this place till now. Wow. Thanks for this I’ll def put it on my long list.
The Kuang Si Waterfalls do look really wonderful. Also I love how gorgeous the route towards it is. I really need to go on this trek and explore it. The jungle, waterfall, secret cave, small pools all sound really intriguing. Thanks for sharing about this place & it’s really good to know that it is near Laos that I am planning to visit by year end.
Hiking to water falls is one of my favorite things to do! These are stunning falls, would love to visit one day! 🙌🏻
Wow, this is a stunning place, I especially love the waterfalls and pools. Thanks for providing a thorough description and most importantly tips on being more sustainable. Got any advice for the best sunscreen to use? I’ve been on the hunt for a good one but I tried a natural one that ended up being really oily.
These waterfalls are beautiful, I love your pictures.
I also wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award in my post today! Take a look if you would like to join in. 🙂 I think it’s a nice way to recognize other bloggers work and ask some thought-provoking (or not) questions.
Here’s the link: https://mywonderfulwalk.com/2019/04/11/sunshine-blogger-award/
I love waterfalls and have been to many around the world. But, unfortunately, I didn’t get to this one when in Laos some years ago.. I’ve often thought about going back to Laos, especially to Luang Prabang. Now I have a good reason to do so.
I would love to go to Laos! Mosquito repellent is such a good tip! I remember needing all the bug spray the last time I was in Vietnam and Thailand. Great suggestions!
These falls have been on my bucketlist since so long! I love how beautiful they are- definitely one of the reasons behind why I would love to visit Laos one day. Also, your sustainability tips are amazing and so needed! Thank you for sharing those.
My partner and I went to Kuang Si waterfalls with a tour from our hotel. It was convenient and we had plenty of time to explore. Of course, the downside was we had to join the crowd. We didn’t swim but enjoyed a short hike in the area.