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Kuang Si Falls In Laos – A Complete Guide

Kuang Si Falls is one of the bluest waterfalls in the world and is not to be missed in Luang Prabang. So here’s all the info for visiting.

How To Get To Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls are located around 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang.

From Luang Prabang town, the falls take roughly 45 minutes to reach by car, or motorcycle.

The easiest way to reach Kuang Si Fall is by booking a Roundtrip Shared Minivan to Kuang Si Falls.

This way you can enjoy a pickup from your hotel in a shared van to Kuang Si Falls. Once there, you’ll have 2.5 hours to visit the bear rescue centre and swim in the natural pools. Then journey back to Luang Prabang by van to the city centre.

From the carpark, the falls are just a 5 minute walk, and lead through a beautiful forest.

Another option is to take a Pak Ou Caves, Whisky Village & Kuang Si Falls Day Trip. Which visits all the must-see places in Luang Prabang by van and boat.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Kuang Si Falls Entrance Fee

Entrance: 20,000 Kip per person.

Kuang Si Falls Opening Times

Monday – Sunday: 8:00am – 5:30pm

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Touch down paradise!

Best Time To Visit Kuang Si Falls

The rainy season in Luang Prabang runs from June to September, while the dry season falls between October and May.

Therefore the best time to visit Kuang Si Falls is anytime between December through to May. This way the monsoon season will have hopefully finished, and the blues will be shining through in the water. Rather than the muddy brown rain water from previous months.

As with any touristy destination, our advice is to arrive as early as possible.

We visited Kuang Si Falls at around 10:00am and had the majority of it to ourselves.

By lunch time, the coaches were turning up and the beautifully empty backdrop you see in the photos, soon became crowded with people.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

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Charlie happy to be arriving at Kuang Si Falls

What To Expect At Kuang Si Falls

Upon arrival at Kuang Si Falls you will have a pleasant journey through the local markets towards the entrance.

The shop keepers are generally very friendly, and not too pushy, so here is your chance to stock up on any water or snacks for the day.

After grabbing your 20,000 Kip ticket, you’ll then have a short walk through a beautiful forest, passing by the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre.

This Bear Rescue Centre in Luang Prabang began in 2003, with the aim of rescuing bears throughout Laos from various illegal traders and to help them escape from entrapment in small cages.

In 2014, The Bear Rescue Centre saw the completion of it’s Bear Discovery Trail. A pathway that leads to Kuang Si Falls helping educate the 200,000+ tourists that visit the falls and pass by the Bear Rescue Centre every year.

A short walk on from the Bear Discovery Trail and you’ll arrive at the stunning Luang Prabang waterfall.

We were completely in awe of how blue the water was, and quickly realised that this tourist attraction has never been victim to any photoshopping!

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Charlie passing through the ticketing booth.
Kuang Si Falls Luang Prabang Waterfall Kuang Si Waterfall Laos Waterfalls
Lauren leading the way through the forest.

The Waterfall Tiers

What makes this places so special is that before you reach the main waterfall, you have a series of cascading falls with their own swimming holes. All set amongst a lush green rainforest.

There are a total of five tiers leading up to the main Kuang Si Falls source. All tiers are all great for swimming, jumping and bathing.

The most popular tier is tier three. This is the waterfall most tourists seem to head to, and it’s the one you may recognise from photos with a tree branch hanging over the pools.

The tree branch used to be way longer, but due to so many visitors jumping from it the branch broke off. So now it’s more of a stub, however you can still jump from this tree and enjoy the huge pools below.

We’d say tier three is also the most photogenic tier of Kuang Si Falls.

Aside from swimming, be sure to explore the whole area. You can even trek to the top of the falls if you have time!

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The epic green rainforest backdrop at Kuang Si Falls.
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Tier three at Kuang Si Falls, and a girl about to jump off the tree branch in the background!
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The waterfall tiers are truly magical.

Where To Stay In Luang Prabang

Luxury

The Luang Say Residence

The Luang Say Residence is a colonial-style resort located in UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang Town.

It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an outdoor infinity pool and 5-star accommodation with private balcony and teak flooring. 

Luang Say is a 10-minute drive from Luang Prabang International Airport and a 10-minute drive from downtown Luang Prabang. Airport transfer services are provided at an additional cost. 

Rooms are spacious and feature beautiful wood furnishings. The rooms come with air conditioning and have several windows that allow much natural light and fresh air in.

Mid-Buget

Le Bougainvillier

Le Bougainvillier comprises 2 renovated houses, the Half-Timbered House close to a morning market, and the Colonial House on the backyard featuring a terrace and views of the garden.

This accommodation is about 200 yards from National Museum and 450 yards from Mount Phousi.

Guests can enjoy the on-site bar as well as free WiFi. 

A terrace or balcony are available in certain rooms. However all rooms come with a private bathroom and a shower. Guests can make use of the living room, library and a shared lounge to rest in.

Budget

Sunrise Hostel

Less than 0.6 miles from Mount Phousi, Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar and a garden.

Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Free WiFi is also available throughout the property.

The hostel is close to popular attractions like Wat Aham, Dara Market and Wat Siphoutthabath. 

At the hostel each room includes a private bathroom with a shower. 

Guests at Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel can enjoy a à la carte or an American breakfast.

For more places to stay in Luang Prabang, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

More Laos Blogs

Luang Prabang Night Market – The Best Market In Asia

Pha Thok Caves In Nong Khiaw Laos

Nong Khiaw Viewpoint – Hiking Phadeng Peak Laos


This trip was coordinated by Destination Mekong
@mekongmoments
www.mekongmoments.com


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Kuang Si Falls In Laos Guide