Kuang Si Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Laos has always been top of any backpackers list when visiting the country. Get all the information that you need about how to get there, how much it costs and what to expect.
Kuang Si Waterfall is a spectacular waterfall (with pools) located in Luang Prabang, Laos. The waterfall is one of the main attractions for backpackers in Luang Prabang and certainly worth a visit!
What To Expect
When you arrive at the park you will need to walk up the pathway towards Kuang Si waterfall. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes from the car park. There is food and drink that can be purchased at the park entrance if you are a sneaky snacker. Market stalls are also there to purchase sandals, clothing etc. There are various swimming points that you can stop off at along the walk way if you need a break.
You can do a trek to the top of the main waterfall at Kuang Si and we would recommend doing the trek up and back down before swimming. The hike can be a little tiring, so swimming first might make it even tougher!
The hike takes approximately 45 minutes (in total) to get to the top and back down again. The climb is steep in parts though so please ensure that you pack some decent footwear.
There are various plateaus at Kuang Si Falls where you can jump in for a quick swim to cool down after you return from your hike (or even during your hike!). However, please note that Kuang Si does have one pool that is considered sacred by the local people. It is forbidden to swim in this pool.
When To Go
The turquoise waters at Kuang Si attracts tourists in their droves so if you want to avoid the crowds then you should go as early as possible as it can get extremely busy (particularly in high season). Midweek is also better than weekends.
Getting There
The falls are located over 30km from Luang Prabang so you will need some form of transport to visit the falls (or a serious set of legs). The following are the transport options available to you:
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks will charge between 40,000 and 50,000 kip per person – assuming the tuk tuk is full… (it will cost you more if you are going alone).
Scooter
Renting a scooter in Luang Prabang costs around 100,000 kip per day (approx €10) which seemed a bit on the expensive side and didn’t offer great value in our opinion.
Minivan
A minivan, which we booked through our hostel (Vongprachan Hostel) cost us 35,000 kip (approx €3.50) each, which was pretty reasonable, and worked out to be the cheapest option.
Admission Price
Admission fee into the park is 20,000 kip (€2) per person. This allows you to swim in the designated areas at the falls and also to visit the bear sanctuary on site.
The bear sanctuary is home to moon bears that were rescued and brought here and you can see them wander around the sanctuary. The bears are kept here to protect them from poachers. In truth, it is hard to see the positives of keeping these beautiful animals in captivity.
So that is the craic with Kuang Si Waterfall.
If you have any questions or comments then please leave them below! 🙂
Thinking about going to an elephant sanctuary? Read our experience at Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary in Luang Prabang.
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