Are you looking for a spectacular escape from Luang Prabang town? Then look no further than the magnificent waterfalls that you can find in the surrounding area. This enchanting city is home to some of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, like the famous Kuang Si Falls. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey to explore no less than three stunning waterfalls in Luang Prabang!
Streets of Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is the most scenic town in Laos and for good reason. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is known for its unique and exceptionally well-preserved architecture, especially the Fresh Colonial influences from the 20th century.
Furthermore, is the city surrounded by lush green forests, serene rivers, and cascading waterfalls. In this post, we’ll discuss the three most stunning waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Tat Sae Waterfalls, and Tad Thong Waterfalls.
Each of these waterfalls has its unique charm, making them a must-visit destination for any nature lover.
Kuang Si falls
While there are probably more waterfalls in the area around Luang Prabang, these are the most famous ones. If you happen to know any other great waterfalls in Luang Prabang, please let me in on the secret and I’ll be happy to include them!
Here are the three most well-known waterfalls in Luang Prabang.
Large waterfalls at Kuang Si Park, Laos.
Kuang Si Waterfalls is undoubtedly the most popular waterfall in Luang Prabang and for a good reason. Located about 28 km south of the city, the main Kuang Si waterfall cascades down 60 meters into a series of turquoise-blue pools.
The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and has a network of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area.
Kuang Si waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Laos
While many people only explore the main waterfall, there is much more to discover in the park. To the left of the main waterfall, a hiking trail starts, which leads you to the top of the waterfall.
From the top, you have a wonderful view of the surrounding forest. Furthermore, there is a small resting area where you can buy a drink and you can enjoy a 20-minute boat trip to the source of the Kuang Si Falls for only 10 000 kips.
In addition to the stunning waterfalls, the Kuang Si Waterfalls area is also home to a rescue center for Asiatic Black Bears. The center provides a safe and natural environment for bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade and other harmful practices, like bear bile farming.
The Kuang Si Falls are open every day from 8 A.M. to 5.30 PM. and the entrance fee is 25 000 kips.
Read my comprehensive guide to the Kuang Si Waterfalls to learn more about how to get there, what to bring, and where to stay near the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Tat Sae Waterfalls, Luang Prabang, Laos.
Tat Sae waterfalls, Luang Prabang, Laos
What makes Tat Sae Waterfalls unique is its location. To get to the waterfall, you will first have to make your way to the small town of Bak En. At the river in Bak En, you can park your bicycle or motorbike, before embarking on a 10-minute boat ride to reach the Tat Sae waterfalls.
The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and has a serene and peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Unlike Kuang Si Falls, Tat Sae is still visited by the local people which makes for a more authentic experience.
The area has a picnic area and a good restaurant serving traditional Lao cuisine.
On the premises, you can also find an elephant sanctuary but note that this is a scam. The elephants are not cared for properly and are used for touristic purposes like elephant riding.
The Tat Sae waterfalls are open every day from 8 A.M. TO 5.30 P.M. and the entrance fee is 20 000 kips.
For more information, check out my complete guide to Tat Sae Waterfalls.
The Tad Thong Waterfalls are the closest ones to Luang Prabang (6km) and are the least visited of the three waterfalls on this list. The waterfalls consists of a single cascade that drops down a small cliff into a natural pool and some smaller cascades and streams.
The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, and the surrounding forest is home to a variety of bird species.
Tad Thong waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos
While the waterfalls are not as impressive as the Kuang Si Falls and Tat Sae Falls, the unique thing about Tad Thong is that it is located inside an abandoned park. Don’t expect a beautifully curated park like Kuang Si but rather overgrown pathways, fallen down trees and broken bridges. This a waterfall for the adventurous type!
The way to get to Tad Thong is by mountainbike. The dirt tracks leading to the waterfall can be uneven and a bit dangerous to drive on with a motorbike.
Since it is abandoned, Tad Thong is accessible at any time of the day and generally free to visit but there can be some locals asking for money to enter the park.
Also, note that Tad Thong completely dries out in peak season. The best time to visit is in the rainy season between May and October.
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 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:
→ PRO TIP: Read my complete packing list for Laos for conscious travelers!
Kanom krok
The best place to eat out in the evening in Luang Prabang is at the wonderful Luang Prabang Night Market. Here you can find various options like BBQ stands, vegetarian buffets, roti, cakes, soups, delicious fresh spring rolls, and more.
For lunch, I highly recommend these local restaurants:
Luang Prabang is an incredible destination and one of the best places in Laos to explore unique waterfalls. From Kuang Si Waterfalls to Tat Sae Waterfalls and Tad Thong, you are spoiled for choices with waterfalls to enjoy. If you’re looking for an adventure to remember, be sure to add these three breathtaking waterfalls to your itinerary.
If you have any questions about visiting these waterfalls, please let them know in the comments below or drop me a message through my contact page!
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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