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Are you looking for a perfect destination to explore Mother Nature’s beauty? Kuang si Waterfalls in Laos is the ideal place for you! Located in the lush green mountains of Luang Prabang, this spectacular waterfall creates an unforgettable experience for its visitors. From the picturesque scenery to the clear blue-green water, the Kuang si Falls is truly a paradise on earth. Read on to discover what makes this destination so special.
Kuang Si waterfalls, Laos
The Kuang Si waterfalls are a gorgeous set of waterfalls with Crystal-clear blue water that flows over limestone rocks. The water gets its beautiful turquoise color from limestone particles that contain huge levels of calcium carbonate. calcium carbonate can reflect light, hence giving the water its unique and stunning color.
The Kuang waterfall park is huge and you can easily spend a whole day there. I even met a couple during my trip who went back to the falls seven times during their time in Laos because they couldn’t get enough of the falls.
Yes, it’s that mesmerizing! It’s bucket list material.
Kuang Si falls Laos
You can find the Kuang Si waterfalls near the UNESCO World Heritage Laotian town of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is a wonderful city located on a peninsula by the Mekong River that consists of 58 neighboring villages. It is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and some of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia dotting the streets.
The Kuang Si Falls are located 28 kilometers from the center of Luang Prabang (the night market).
Kuang Si Laos
Legend says that Kuang Si was first formed when an old wise man dug deep into the earth and by that revealed the waters of the Nam Si. After the water created the falls, a golden deer came and made its home under a big rock that jutted out of the waterfall.
The sound of the water falling onto the rock created such a beautiful echo that it started attracting people to it from all over the world. The name Kuang Si is derived from that story. “Tat” means waterfall in Lao, “Kuang” means “deer” and “Si” means to dig.
The big rock is no longer visible today. It fell off during an earthquake many years ago.
Kuang Si waterfall, Laos
Kuang Si falls covers a huge area and most visitors only catch a little glimpse of everything there is to see. The park starts with a bear sanctuary on your right hand followed by various pools and small cascades until you arrive at the main 60-meter waterfall of Tat Kuang Si.
But this is not where the park ends! From the main waterfall, you can hike up to the top of the waterfall via enchanting luscious forest trails. At the top, you have an amazing view over the surrounding area and you will also find a cute resting area and a local man offering boat trips to the source of the falls.
If you have time on your hands, you can even hike all the way to small villages that are further afield.
The main feature of the Kuang Si waterfalls is the bright turquoise color of the water which is caused by the limestone sediment that can reflect light.
Laos Kuang Si falls
Do note that the water doesn’t have this beautiful turquoise color at any time of the year. During the monsoon, the streams of the waterfall get too heavy and the thundering rapids turn the water to a muddy brown color.
The big draw of the park is the 60-meter-high three-tiered main waterfall that cascades beautifully into several lower-lying blue water pools.
Tat Kuang Si waterfall
From the main fall, the water flows further into wonderful blue-colored pools via small cascades. You can swim in most of the pools but at certain ones, you will see a “do not enter” sign. This is because some pools are considered sacred by the locals.
At the top of the main waterfall, you can find some more swimming areas. These areas are much calmer than the lower-lying parts and, although the blue color of the water is a bit darker, it makes for a much wilder experience, since the location is a bit less organized as the downstairs parts.
Kuang Si is famous for its waterfalls and turquoise pools but, aside from that, it is also a gorgeous nature park. Most travelers only visit the lower-lying parts of the park. But it is worth it to come to Kuang Si wearing good footwear and make the trek up to the waterfall.
Kuang Si walking trails to the top of the waterfalls
The walking trails up to the waterfall start both on the left and the right-hand side of the main waterfall. If you hike fast, you can walk around the waterfall in half an hour but it’s worth it to take some time to stop at the various viewpoints and admire the landscapes.
Views from the top of the Kuang Si waterfall hike
At the top of the waterfall, you can find a lovely resting area and more beautiful swimming pools that you can cross by wooden footbridges. There’s also a swing above the water and this is the place where you can take a wooden raft to the source of the waterfall.
The source is nothing special but the whole scenery is so captivating and peaceful here that it’s worth paying the 10 000 kips for the half an hour ride up the river.
Beautiful trees inside Kuang Si jungle forest
From the top of the waterfall, you can explore the park even further. If you take a look at the park on Maps.me you will see a hiking trail that goes even further afield which will lead you to small villages and more places near the river where you can take a dip (note that the water isn’t that blue anymore here).
As I just mentioned, from the top area at Kuang Si falls you can take a bamboo raft to the source of the falls. The untouched and wild scenery around the river is enchanting and is a welcome change from the crowded main waterfall and pools.
Boat rides in Kuang Si park
Next to the boat dock, is a lovely picnic area where you can spend lunchtime while enjoying the magical views of the lovely pools. At the Kuang Si entrance, there are several local shops and small food shacks. You can stock up on food there before entering Kuang Si park.
Resting area at the top of the falls where you can take a boat or have a drink
Another fun feature here is the small but alluring swing above the pools. Get ready to do some rocking back and forth here before jumping into the water!
At Kuang Si, you can find two other sites, The Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center and the Kuang Si Butterfly Park. Both are worth a visit if you have enough time on your hands!
It was hard to focus on the bear with my camera! 🙂
Just past the entrance of Kuang si waterfalls, you can find the Kuang si Bear Rescue Center on your right-hand side. Founded in 2003, this rescue center is a part of Free The Bears, a project that focuses on the rescue of Asiatic black bears.
Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and illegal bear bile farming are the main threats to these bears and since the opening of the center 20 years ago, they have successfully rescued and rehabilitated dozens of bears previously living in horrific conditions.
While there are projects in operation to generate funds, like volunteer programs, the organization relies heavily on donations to care for and nurture the bears. You can buy a T-shirt at the sanctuary to support them.
Kuang Si bufferfly park, Laos
The Kuang Si Butterfly Park is not located inside the Kuang Si Waterfall park but 300 meters from the entrance. It’s a separate attraction in the area and the entrance is also not included in the fee you pay to enter Kuang Si waterfalls.
To access the Kuang Si Butterfly Park, you will need to pay an admission fee of 40 000 kips. This allows you to go on a guided tour of the premises during which you can see hundreds of butterflies.
Afterward, you can enjoy a tasty piece of apple pie on the lovely terrace by the water.
→ PRO TIP: Read my complete packing list for Laos for conscious travelers!
Luang Prabang, Laos
There are various ways to get from Luang Prabang to the Kuang Si waterfalls. I’ll list them below.
By far the most eco-friendly way to get to the falls is by renting a mountain bike for the day. Mountains bikes with decent gears can be rented at guesthouses and travel agencies and cost approximately 100 000 kips.
Don’t take a city bike to ply the route to Kuang Si! They are cheaper (50 000 kips) but they don’t have gears and are not comfortable for uphill cycling.
At Luang Prabang, you can find several agencies and rental services for motorbikes. Do note that driving a motorbike in southeast Asia must be done with utmost care. I have seen so many backpackers with broken arms, legs, or collarbones that I don’t feel 100% safe driving a motorbike.
That said, scooters and motorbikes can be rented for around 250 000 kips. If you want to drive a motorbike as a conscious traveler, go find an electric motorbike at MyLaoHome Guesthouse.
Hiring a tuk-tuk together with a few other people and sharing the costs can be the best and most cost-effective way to visit Kuang Si falls. Not only will it allow you to get there in a comfortable way but you can also negotiate with the driver how long you want to stay at the falls.
Agreeing on a price, however, can be nerve-breaking. I was quoted insane prices when I approached tuk-tuk drivers on the streets. The best way to get a good deal is to arrange a private tuk-tuk or taxi through your accommodation.
Shared minivans ply the route from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si waterfalls every day around lunchtime. The minivans pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off again afterward. Tickets were 80 000 kips at the time of my visit (Jan 2023).
Although this is a comfortable option, it’s not very convenient if you want to stay at the falls for a longer period of time. The minivans arrive at Kuang Si between 12.30 and 1 P.M. and return from Kuang Si at 3 P.M. which leaves little time to explore.
As a slow traveler, I love to take my time to explore. Kuang Si is too big and too beautiful to see in such a short amount of time.
Dozens of tours go to Kuang Si waterfalls and that’s no wonder. It is the top attraction of Luang Prabang and maybe even the top sight to visit in the whole of Laos.
The quality of the tours can vary greatly and nobody likes to spend the day in a cramped bus with too many other tourists. I sources the internet carefully and came across these three tours that I believe are worth taking. Unlike very touristy tours, these tours actually focus on local Lao culture and have an eco-friendly touch.
Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang Laos
The best time to visit the Kuang Si waterfalls is during the dry season which runs from November to April. Compared to nearby Tat Sae waterfalls, the Kuang Si walls don’t dry out much and you will be able to see the waterfalls and the teal blue water in all its glory.
During the monsoon season that runs from May to October, it is not advised to visit Kuang Si. Because of the huge amounts of rain, the falls turn into thundering rapids and lose their beautiful aquamarine color.
Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Laos:
Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels
Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities
Homestay: For a unique immersive homestay experience in Luang Prabang
12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Laos
Loca: Uber and Grab don’t operate in Laos but Vientiane has its own ride-hailing app called Loca!
Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Vientiane or Luang Prabang
Viator and Get Your Guide: book all kinds of activities from a Kuang Si waterfall cruise to a private cave and jungle trekking in Vang Vieng!
Get your Visa for Laos online through the Evisa website. Do note that you cannot enter just any border with the Evisa. You can fly with an Evisa into Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse and cross three borders with Thailand. They don’t accept the Evisa when you want to cross a land border coming from Vietnam, Cambodia, or China. It’s best to contact the Laotian embassies in these countries to obtain a visa.
If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!
Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Laos E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.
The entrance fee to Kuang Si was a bit of a mystery when I first arrived. The shared minivans drop you off at a large parking area and will direct you to the ticket booth.
Best things to do: Kuang Si waterfalls, Laos
But, this is not the location of the falls yet. You’ll first have to pay the entrance fee here before you get transferred to some sort of golf cart that takes you to the actual entrance for Kuang Si. A lot of touristy shizzle that is absolutely unnecessary for me.
I’m not sure if I should write this, but I’ve found an alternative way to get inside Kuang Si park that won’t require you to pass by the entrance gate. Drop me a message through my contact page if you want me to let you in on the secret!
Parking area at Kuang Si falls, Laos
If you arrive at Kuang Si waterfalls you will be dropped off at a big parking lot surrounded by souvenir stands. From there, make your way to the ticket booth to pay the 25 000 kip admission fee.
Golf carts that take you from the ticket booth to the entrance of Kuang Si
You will then be transferred to a golf cart that will take you for a short drive to the actual entrance of the falls. If you want to visit the butterfly garden first, notify your driver about that. The butterfly garden is located 300 meters before the entrance of Kuang Si.
The actual entrance of Kuang Si waterfalls, Laos
Just before the entrance, you can find souvenir stands and small restaurants selling local food. It’s good to stock up here on snacks if you want to have a picnic by the falls.
The Kuang Si waterfalls are open every day from 8 A.M. to 5.30 P.M.
There are two options you can choose from if you want to visit Kuang Si waterfalls. You can visit the falls on a trip from Luang Prabang or you can opt to stay at a guesthouse near the falls.
Luang Prabang, Laos
There is only one guesthouse near the falls. If you visit in peak season and want to stay there be sure to book in advance!
The only accommodation at the Kuang Si waterfalls is Vanvisa at the Falls. It’s a small guesthouse run by a local family that also owns a guesthouse in the center of Kuang Prabang.
The guesthouse offers beautiful views of the turquoise water and can be booked here.
The best place to stay near Kuang Si waterfalls is Luang Prabang. Here are a few accommodation options that I can highly recommend!
BUDGET:
MID-RANGE:
LUXURY:
Vegan bor bun with tofu
Yes, there is one restaurant right by the falls of Kuang Si. I haven’t tried it personally and I assume prices will be on the higher side here, at a touristy location like this. However, if you are hungry, as a vegan in Laos, you’ll probably be able to get some fried rice.
In my opinion, I wouldn’t want to spend my time at Kuang Si sitting at a restaurant’s table. The area is so beautiful and there is so much to explore that it’s better to take a picnic instead. There are various stalls at the entrance of the Kuang Si Falls where you can buy snacks.
Alternatively, you can buy some snacks at the Luang Prabang night market the evening before your visit or at the morning market in you are an early bird.
Here is a quick recap of the most important facts and some tips on what to bring to Kuang Si falls.
Here are some useful items to bring with you:
Tad Kuang Si falls
Kuang si Waterfalls is a beautiful destination that won’t fail to capture your heart. From its breathtaking views to activities like the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center, the Kuang si Falls offer a perfect day trip from nearby Luang Prabang. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, the Kuang si Waterfalls are sure to create an unforgettable experience.
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this ultimate travel guide to Kuang Si Falls. Please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page!
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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