3 Beautiful Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Laos

Are you looking for a spectacular escape from Luang Prabang town? Then look no further than the beautiful waterfalls you can find in the surrounding area! This enchanting city is home to some of the world’s most magical waterfalls, like the famous Kuang Si Falls. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey to explore three stunning waterfalls in Luang Prabang located in the lush jungle surrounding the city!

Luang Prabang

Streets of Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is said to be 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.

Temples dot the city and you can find many cute restaurants and cozy guesthouses on the peninsula, surrounded by the Mekong and the Nam Khan River.

Temple and bridge over the Nam Khan River

Furthermore, the city is surrounded by lush green forests, the Pak Ou Caves, and cascading waterfalls. In this post, you can find the three most stunning waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfalls, Tat Sae Waterfalls, and Tad Thong Waterfalls.

Each of these waterfalls has its own unique charm, making them a must-visit destination for any nature lover. I visited all three of them when I was in Luang Prabang and was absolutely captivated by this gorgeous region!

The waterfalls of Luang Prabang

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 too!

Do note that planning the timing of your visit is important. some waterfalls are better visited in the dry season while others are at their best in the wet season!

Kuang Si waterfalls

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 giant Kuang Si waterfall cascades down 60 meters into a series of turquoise pools.

The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and has a network of nature 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. On the left side of the falls, a hiking trail starts, which leads you to the top of the waterfall.

At the top of the falls, you have a wonderful view of the surrounding forest. Furthermore, there is a small bar and a quiet swimming area with rope swing. You can also enjoy a 20-minute boat trip to the source of the waterfall for only 20,000 kips per person.

Tat Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang

In addition to the stunning waterfalls, the Kuang Si Waterfalls area is also home to a rescue center for Asiatic Black Bears. The bear rescue centre provides a safe and natural environment for bears rescued from illegal wildlife trades 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 60 000 kips. There is also a butterfly park nearby that you can visit for $5/person.

Read my comprehensive guide to the Kuang Si Waterfalls to learn more about how to get there by tuk tuk or motorbike, what to bring with you to this beautiful place, and where to stay near this natural wonder.

Tat Sae waterfalls

Tat Sae Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos.

While not as well-known as Kuang Si Waterfalls, Tat Sae Waterfalls is a hidden gem that is worth discovering. Located about 16 km southeast of Luang Prabang, Tat Sae Waterfalls can only be reached by boat or a pre-booked trekking tour through the forest.

The waterfalls consist of a series of cascades and natural pools with crystal-clear water, creating the perfect place for swimming and a relaxed afternoon.

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 more off the beaten track and is still visited by locals, providing 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. Don’t visit them!

The Tat Sae waterfalls are open every day from 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. and the entrance fee is 30 000 kips. Tat Sae Falls is best visited in the monsoon season when the turquoise waters flow abundantly.

For more information, check out my complete guide to Tat Sae Waterfalls.

→ ALSO READ: How to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Tad Thong 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.

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.

Tad Thong waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos

Don’t expect a beautifully curated park like Kuang Si but rather overgrown pathways, fallen down trees, and broken bridges. This is 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.

THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR LAOS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Laos:

ACCOMMODATION

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

TRANSPORT

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

ACTIVITIES

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!

VISA

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.

INSURANCE

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!

SIM-card

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.

What to bring to the waterfalls

The entrance of Kuang Si Falls

All of the waterfalls around Luang Prabang are accessible for swimming or taking a dip. The Kuang Falls are not suitable for swimming during the wet season while the water may be low At Tat Sae and even non-existent at Tad Thong in the dry season.

Here’s what to bring with you, visiting the waterfalls:

Good and sturdy shoes: all of the waterfalls mentioned above are surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. You don’t really need hiking boots to explore these trails but good sneakers or sturdy sandals are recommended instead of simple flip-flops.
Bathing suit: At the time of my visit during the dry season, it was possible to swim at Kuang Si and Tat Sae. Taking a bathing suit and a towel is a must, just don’t bother taking it to Tad Thong in the dry season.
Water and snacks: There are restaurants at Tad Sae and Kuang Si but I wouldn’t bother going to the one at Kuang Si. Snacks and water are necessary if you want to hike the trails though, especially at Tad Thong, which is abandoned.
Mosquito repellent: A must in Asia if you don’t want to get annoying mosquito bites or Dengue fever.
Sunscreen: The sun is lovely in Luang Prabang but can also damage the skin. I love Sun Bum, a reef-save sunscreen!
Money, cell phone, and sunglasses
A good book: Kuang Si is too busy but Tat Sae is a great place to chill with a good book!

Where to stay in Luang Prabang

The Mekong River seen from the shores in Luang Prabang

The best place to stay near Kuang Si waterfalls is Luang Prabang. Here are a few accommodation options that I can highly recommend!

BUDGET:

Thepavong Guesthouse: this is the guesthouse that I stayed at during my visit to Luang Prabang. They don’t have a website and you can’t find them on any booking site. If you want to be sure to secure a room, call ahead. This guesthouse is clean, the owners are amiable, and the location is right next to the morning and evening markets. Rooms cost 200 kips.
KS guesthouse: Another great guesthouse in Luang Prabang that has rooms that look out over the Nam Khan river. Some friends of mine stayed here and they were raving about their cute balcony on which they loved to watch the river. Rooms cost 250 kips.
My Lao Home guesthouse: This is another great guesthouse not too far from the evening market on a quiet side street. The great thing about this guesthouse is that it rents out electrical motorbikes! A perfect way to explore the surrounding area of Luang Prabang.

MID-RANGE:

Baan Pila: this is a fantastically decorated small guesthouse with only six rooms. It is locally owned and only a short walk from the main places in Luang Prabang like the morning and night markets.
Ock Pop Tok Mekong Villa: this villa is located at the Mekong River outside of the center of Luang Prabang but absolutely worth it to spend a few days. Ock Pop Tok is a social and ethical fashion business promoting traditional Lao textile crafts.

LUXURY:

Namkhan Ecolodge: If you looking for eco-friendly luxury in Lung Prabang, look no further than Namkhan Ecolodge. This lodge offers incredibly beautiful glamping tents and suites, has its own organic garden, and uses renewable and recyclable products throughout the property.

→ PRO TIP: Read my complete packing list for Laos for conscious travelers!

Where to eat in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Night Market

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:

Phonheuang Café: a small local place serving delicious Laotian food. The prices here are some of the cheapest in the city and the food is delicious. A vegan version is available for most dishes.
Break for a Bread: At Break for a Bread, you can eat the most delicious baguettes. They resemble the Vietnamese Banh Mi but are more creative with ingredients. If you are a vegan in Laos, try the one with eggplant and tomato!
Khaiphaen: This Laotian restaurant is actually a social enterprise that serves as a vocational training restaurant for marginalized youth in Luang Prabang. The food is lovely and is served in an amicable atmosphere.

Luang Prabang Waterfalls: final thoughts

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.

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November 30, 2024

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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!