I visited Laos after a enterprise journey to Singapore earlier this yr. This landlocked nation has been on my radar for a very long time. I stayed in Luang Prabang for six nights and did five-day journeys from there. One of lately I employed a automotive and drove to the Kuang Si Falls within the morning. After lunch I drove via the agricultural areas on the opposite facet of the Mekong River. Join me on this should do tour round Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Falls day journey
The Kuang Si Falls are flowing a lot of the yr not like the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that purpose.
How to get to the Kuang Si Falls
They are positioned just below 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang and simply reached by taxi or motorcycle. I nevertheless employed a automotive and drove there myself as later that day I’d cross the river for some rural life sightseeing. The journey takes about an hour however earlier than my arrival I made first a cease on the inexperienced rice fields. Most fields are dry attributable to lack of rain however this space has pure water sources which make two harvests a yr potential. The views are superb and might’t be missed; it’s on the final flip you are taking to the falls.
When I arrived on the waterfalls I needed to pay a -very- small quantity to some man that appeared to manage the parking zone. I don’t keep in mind the doorway worth to be trustworthy because it was so little. Cheap, because the native costs, which isn’t all the time the case like in Indonesia the place vacationer pay ten instances extra.
Animals at Kuang Si Falls
It’s a brief stroll to the falls both over a paved highway or via a jungle path. There are a number of cages with bears and different wildlife; fascinating however not a serious factor. The falls are fairly idyllic and once I arrived on the lowest terrace I had a small wow second. They ARE lovely.
Lower terraces
Swimming within the decrease terrace just isn’t splendid however the second and third terraces have nice choices to swim. The turquoise blue water contrasts lovely with the plush inexperienced timber. The water will get the gorgeous blue coloration as a result of vital variety of minerals.
Main terrace of falls
I walked as much as the primary terrace of the Kuang Si Falls. It’s potential to swim right here however I’m not so keen on swimming so I simply watched the individuals whereas having fun with some chilly drink I cooled within the automotive. It’s an awesome spot for selfies or unique tropical photographs as you’ll be able to see within the photograph beneath. I continued as much as the primary waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si fundamental waterfall
The fundamental fall is 60 meters excessive and it’s potential to go to the highest to see three different smaller falls. I remained on the backside because it was strategy to sizzling to go all the way in which up. It additionally didn’t slot in my schedule as I needed to stroll round a bit extra and experiment with images of flowing water. After two to 3 hours I completed and determined to return to Luang Prabang to get lunch and cross the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang Rural Country Side Life
Rural life in Laos is fascinating in comparison with neighboring nations as its a lot much less developed and doesn’t see that many vacationers. The greatest strategy to expertise the native life is to cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang.
Driving a automotive in Laos
I like to recommend hiring a 4×4 as some roads are powerful however this additionally will depend on the place you go. A day hire for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t rather more as taking a automotive with driver. I wasn’t even requested for my driver’s license I solely needed to hand over my passport which I obtained again once I returned the automotive.
Meking River ferry crossing
To cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang you need to pay a small payment however that’s mainly nothing. It’s a small journey on a ferry that to me appeared prefer it may sink anytime.
The native persons are curious as they don’t appear to see many foreigners. Local children getting back from college checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing here”. Keep in thoughts that the locals don’t converse English. I had a “tour guide” with me to translate the conversations I had with the locals. It’s a bit unusual to drive your self and have a information subsequent to you ???? But we had enjoyable.
Driving Laos nation facet
My recommendation is to only drive round however be sure to take the highway that circles round (see additionally the GPS map beneath). You will see children on motorbikes, girls washing garments within the river and farmers working the land. In a small village I finished as there have been pigs strolling round. I requested for the value, however they gave a to excessive worth – as per my information – so I didn’t purchase one. I want beef anyway. It was burning season which implies farmers burn the rice fields. Smog is hanging within the air in all places as you’ll be able to see on a lot of the photos; brown yellow skies. If you drive the roads I did you’ll go an space with a pure supply of water the place the fields are inexperienced. Here the farmers do two or three harvests a yr. I assume the farmland is value extra right here too. All-in I drove for about 3-4 hours round earlier than I headed again to Luang Prabang.
If you go to Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos, you will need to make a tour to the Kuang Si Falls. I like to recommend additionally hiring a 4×4 and drive via the agricultural space on the opposite facet of the Mekong River. It’s an awesome expertise to be taught concerning the locals. I had an awesome day journey and on the finish of the day I went again to my luxurious lodge: The Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao. I did many extra day journey in and round Luang Prabang which I’ll share with you in separate posts. Laos is an attractive nation, and I need to return to go to different areas in the future quickly.
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Gallery Kuang Si Falls
Click a picture for a full display screen gallery of extra photographs taken throughout this journey. If you want to make use of any photograph for business, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.