Kuang Si Falls: A Perfect Day Trip from Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Falls, a beautiful glistening waterfall southwest of Luang Prabang, makes for a good half-day or full-day trip from the ancient capital.
Nestled behind the Kuang Si village, this waterfall isn’t just visually appealing. It has several welcoming swimming holes for a nice, long and relaxing soak. There are benches to rest, and places to hike – what more can you ask for a place to unwind?
Thinking of visiting the Kuang Si Falls? Want to know more about this must-go place in Luang Prabang? Well, read on to find out more!
I visited Laos and Kuang Si Falls in Nov 2023. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. Cheers!
A Brief Background of the Falls
Located about 30 km southwest of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a sight to behold!
According to one of the many informational boards by the waterfall, Kuang Si Falls came into existence when an old man dug the soil and hit a waterhole. Out came a gush of water that flowed and formed the waterfall. A majestic golden deer stumbled onto the beautiful falls and decided to live beneath a huge rock jutting from the cascade. And that’s how Tat Kuang Si gets its name – Tat means waterfall, Kuang means deer, and Si refers to dig.
It was claimed that the sound of water hitting the rock was so melodious that it even drew crowds as far away as China!
Unfortunately, a freak earthquake in 2001 unearthed this phenomenal rock, so we’ll never get to know what this otherworldly sound is like.
Entry Fee, Operating Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Kuang Si Falls is open every day from 8 AM to 5.30 PM.
You could spend anywhere from an hour to a day soaking in the cold waters or the sight and sound of the brilliant falls.
I would expect the falls impassable during the wet season of May to September (read: flooding), and acrid and hazy during the burning dry season of March to April. The best time to visit the falls, and Laos in general, is during the cool and dry months of October to February.
Time your visit as early as possible to avoid the crowds – predominantly those on tours – which would begin to stream in from noon onwards. Our visit happened at 9.30 AM.
Tickets cost 25k kip during our travels in Nov 2023, including the complimentary return shuttle ride from the ticket counter to the falls. Parking a motorbike was an additional 5k kip.
How to Travel to Kuang Si Falls
If you’re not already in Laos, read this. If you’re already in Laos but nowhere near Luang Prabang, read this.
As with most travels within the touristy belt of Laos, there are four broad ways to travel to Kuang Si Falls from Luang Prabang – bicycle, motorbike, tuk-tuk, or shared tour on minivans.
The distance from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Falls is about 30 km, and the journey takes around 40 minutes through small villages and hilly terrains.
Bicycle
Special mention to the humble human-powered bicycle. Choose to cycle only if you have the energy, effort and time, or are feeling a bit more adventurous than usual.
It is a long and challenging ride! The road is mostly uphill with potholes and sometimes features a rare rumbling, obnoxious diesel-pumping truck.
DIY motorbike
If you are confident in handling a motorbike and have a valid licence, then rent one for around 150k kip per day. Petrol cost 25k kip/ L during our travels in Nov 2023.
Note that the road may be tricky for novice riders, with its hairpins, steep turns, and potholes. The receptionist in the hostel I stayed in Luang Prabang recounted stories of backpackers in his hostel who had severely injured themselves attempting the ride. So you’ve been warned!
Tuk-tuk
Otherwise, you could get a tuk-tuk for the day. Ask your accommodations if they know of shared tuk-tuk services. It might be in the range of 30 – 50k kip per person.
Shared minivan
To save yourself from the hassle of handling the logistics, why not just book a round-trip seat in a comfortable air-con minivan to Kuang Si Falls? You get the comfort and the bang for the buck for just US$6!
Within Kuang Si Falls
Map of Kuang Si Falls
Carpark
Whatever transportation you’re taking will drop you here at the carpark. It costs 5k kip to park a motorbike under a shelter. Someone will come and collect your parking fees.
Butterfly park
There’s a privately owned butterfly park by a couple originating from the Netherlands near the waterfall. Aside from educating Lao children – and tourists alike – about butterflies, the park also donates to a Children’s Charity.
The Butterfly Park is open every day from 11 AM to 4 PM, except Thursday. Tickets cost US$ 5 for the tour, US$10 including a pie and coffee, and US$ 25 for a charity tour special.
Free Shuttle
After you’ve bought your ticket, walk past a row of turnstiles to where the free electronic shuttles are. You could choose to walk, but really, it is a long and uphill walk on concrete. The ride was fast, around 5 mins?
Ticket Check and Gates
The shuttle dropped us by the gates of Kuang Si Falls. Funny how they check your tickets again here, and not before. Make sure you’ve kept your tickets!
There are toilets by the side of the gates. Not the best, but still good enough to change in or out of your swimwear.
Bear Rescue Centre
Right after the gates is the Bear Rescue Centre, reachable via a boardwalk. Follow the trail and learn more about the Asiatic Black Bears rescued from bile farms! We saw a few lounging in their private hammocks. You could also donate to support the cause run by Free The Bear.
Kuang Si Swimming Pools
As we meandered up the boardwalk-mix-forest-walk, we came to three beautiful swimming holes. There are usually seats or benches by these pools, with signs indicating possible depths and words of caution.
We were the first handful to dip into the frigid cold waters of one of the pools nearest to the main fall. The riverbed gets deeper as you amble towards the smaller falls, but then again, those smaller falls make for some great natural massage!
The Grand Kuang Si Falls
Before we did any swimming in the delicious milky blue waters though, we headed over for the customary shot with the falls.
The beautiful waters reminded me of my bungee jump into the meandering river of Kawaurau Gorge, and the many resplendent waterfalls of New Zealand.
Several informational boards detailed the origins and myths surrounding the falls and the reasons for the colour of its water.
Top of the Kuang Si Falls
If you’re keen on a little more exercise or feeling a bit adventurous, you could hike up to the top of the waterfall. However, note that the access and trail aren’t very clear, since not many people attempt this, so climb with caution.
We did not climb to the top as a rough trawl of reviews and the internet revealed that the view from the top is subpar and not worth the additional effort.
Where else to visit in Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Falls is just one of the many attractions in and around Luang Prabang’s vicinity.
You could spend a day visiting the temples and museums, sip some coffee, or listen to storytelling in Luang Prabang. How about another day dedicated to Pak Ou Caves, observing the elephants, or farming some rice!
Post Kuang Si Falls, my travel buddy and I visited some stops along the way back to Luang Prabang since we rented a motorbike. We had some delicious ice cream from the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm, and a delectable long lunch at an eatery overlooking a beautiful rice farm.
Check out this comprehensive guide I’ve written about Luang Prabang for more inspiration! ✨
And if you’re heading south towards Vang Vieng, I’ve got a guide ✨here✨ for you!
To Vientiane, the capital of Laos? Well, it’s ✨here✨ too!
Tips for a Great Kuang Si Falls Trip
- Wear your swimwear underneath. So you don’t have to change in the rather filthy toilets.
- Bring towels. Especially those fast-drying ones.
- Go early. Preferably before noon to beat the crowds. But the water can be pretty chilly!
- Wear shoes with grippy soles. Or risk slipping and falling as you trek to the waterfall.
- Bring water. Keep yourself hydrated.
- Don’t bring too many personal items. Keep your valuables with you, within sight, or have someone look after them.
- A waterproof bag is nifty. Keep your stuff dry.
- Keep yourself covered once you leave the gates of Kuang Si. You don’t want to disrespect the village folks!
- Have a GoPro or waterproof camera ready. For all those fun shots in the pool!
Conclusion & Rambles
Kuang Si Falls is, indeed, a gorgeous cascade. I could smell the freshness and feel the coolness of the mist as I neared the falls.
It was fun taking the free electric shuttle towards the gate – might have been the three monks in saffron robes seated in front of me. Are there temples at the falls? Or are the monks there to enjoy Kuang Si Falls as well?
The walk on boardwalks and in the forest wasn’t terribly challenging for me. Make sure your shoes are grippy, as some parts can be slippery from the water or mist.
Soaking in the milky blue water early in the morning took some time and motivation as it was so frigid cold. But once you’re accustomed to the water, it can be a relaxing experience.
Overall, visiting Kuang Si Falls is one of the highlights of my trip around Luang Prabang. You could say it was a pleasant finale as we visited this last notable attraction on our last day at this beautiful ancient capital of Laos.
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