Kuang Si Falls, Laos

The Kuang Si Falls, alternatively known as the Tat Kuang Si in Laos, is a breathtaking three-tiered waterfall just outside the town of Luang Prabang. The cascading fall with its extraordinarily turquoise water allures a lot of local residents and international tourists alike, especially during hot summer days, the place is packed with the crowds enjoying a refreshing dip and the noticeably cool weather.
Nestled in a lush tropical jungle, about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a favorite side trip for tourists in the town. Many travelers choose to book a tour including transportation like tuk-tuk or minivan to the falls, while the true adventure can hire a bicycle or motorbike to enjoy the countryside scenery and tranquil local life along the way. With entrance fee of 20,000 kip per person, you can explore the area from 8am to 5pm. However, as one of the most popular attractions in Luang Prabang, the falls could be busy with the busloads of tourists, so it’s better to visit in the early morning to take epic shots and bask in the fresh and serene atmosphere. Also, the best time to visit Kuang Si Falls is often from December to around May, when the monsoon season has ended and there is little rain in the region.
From the entrance, there are trails leading to the main waterfalls, where you can see vibrant water streams fall into a series of shallow pools before flowing downstream into the jungle river. There are also well-maintained bridges and walkways for easy access. The most appealing experience in Kuang Si Falls is absolutely taking a swim in the huge azure pools and immersing your soul and body in the incredibly natural scenery. For the adventurous, it is of much fun with swinging the ropes and jumping in and out of the water. Another worthwhile activity you should try is hiking up to the top, where you find the third cascade and top pools with excellent views of mountains in the distance and picnic tables for chill-out time. If swimming is not your thing, having a picnic in the shade at the lower levels is a great choice to take in the tranquil landscape of Kuang Si Falls while enjoying fascinating time with friends.
Besides, nearby Kuang Si Falls is a lovely Bear Rescue Centre and a small Butterfly Park, where you can spend some time to see adorable Asiatic Black Bears and diverse species of butterfly.