4 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
30 min from Luang Prabang by minivan / 30 minutes from Luang Prabang by motorbike
When to go
Between October and March
Minimum stay
One day
Kouangxi Water Fall (Laos)
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Bettina Zourli
Practical information about Kouangxi Water Fall
Reviews of Kouangxi Water Fall
Luang Prabang is the main town in the north of Laos and Kuang Si's waterfalls are so beautiful that it's worth making a prolonged stay in the region just for them.
My suggestion:
Be careful, the area is very touristy and I recommend you get there before 11 a.m. in order to avoid the crowds as much as possible!
Summary:
Visiting the waterfalls of Kuang Si is a must during your trip to the region around Luang Prabang.
The Kuang Si waterfals are 60 metres high and seem to fall right out jungle, so that you can see their beauty in a luxurious setting. I really loved the contrast between the green jungle and the blue water tumbling down. As the whole region was really hot, I remember I really appreciated the chance to cool down in one of the little pools formed by the current.
I strongly recommend renting a scooter (or off road bike if you are more sporty) from Luang Prabang. It is an easy 30 km between the 2 sites. It will give you more freedom of movement, so you can make the most of the beautiful countryside and small villages along the road to the waterfalls.
I really enjoyed walking beside the river and taking the path which leads to the top of the waterfall, where there is a beautiful panorama over the surrounding area.
Finally, don't forget to look at the black bears in collars in the little zoo at the site's entry.
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Michaël Mamane
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Michaël Mamane
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Michaël Mamane
Kuang Si Waterfall is the most visited and the most impressive waterfall of Laos. Situated near Luang Prabang, it is an essential part of any trip to Laos.
My suggestion:
Take a picnic for lunch at the foot of the waterfall!
Summary:
The road to the waterfalls that are situated about an hour from Luang Prabang is simply magnificent. Green, green, and more green!
I took a tuk-tuk in town to go to the falls: the driver will wait for you as long as necessary. You can spend a day there with no worries and it is well worth it!
At the entrance there is a small nature reserve that houses a few bears that make for a small local attraction. You arrive at the foot of the waterfall after a 20-minute walk through the jungle. The flow is just amazing!
For the more adventurous, a rather steep path leads to the top of the falls from where you have a fabulous view over the jungle.
Nevertheless, I would advise you to visit Kuang Si during the dry season: I went there during the monsoon when the water was very agitated and muddy and the flow was much too fast to swim in.
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Bettina Zourli
Kuang Sy is a group of waterfalls about 30 kilometres south of Luang Prabang.
My suggestion:
Try not to leave Luang Prabang too late because the Kuang Sy waterfalls are quite well-known. If you leave early you'll miss the worst of the crowds and enjoy the place more.
Summary:
It's difficult not to love Kuang Sy. I admit that it can be a bit scary when you arrive - all the stalls selling everything and nothing and a car park full of vehicles is not exactly what you expect, but don't worry, what comes next makes the journey worthwhile.
First surprise: enclosures where there are a large number of Asian bears, an endangered species that is protected here. They are smaller than their European cousins and some have very fuzzy fur which is very sweet, if you have children they will love them...
When you arrive at the waterfalls there is a second surprise. There are natural swimming pools, all connected by little waterfalls of gloriously turquoise water, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation which adds up to almost surreal surroundings...The water might not be very warm but it's almost impossible to resist the urge to bathe in a place that is so magical. Ideal for family holidays!
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Hoffmann Simon
100 travellers' photos
