Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Less than an hour away from Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is known for its milky turquoise waters. There are multiple pools scattered throughout the area; the main pool has rope swings, and an overhanging tree limb from which you can jump into the water. There's also lookout point just a short hike away, which offers panoramic views of Lao’s countryside. The falls are easily accessible and are beautiful throughout the day but visit early for fewer crowds. There are changing facilities, and several eateries in the area where you can relax and take in the views. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Phil WYorkshire, United Kingdom1,286 contributionsThe Power and Beauty of Mother NatureThis is a must do when staying in Luang Prabang. I followed the advice of other reviewers and travelled early, arriving at just after the opening time of 08:00. This meant that by the time I reached the waterfalls I was the only person there and remained so for a good 15 minutes. Even 45 minutes later only another dozen or so people had arrived. The waterfall itself is an incredible experience - the sound of the water is just as breathtaking as the sight of it. Absolutely a must do.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 24 October 2023
- Marni K419 contributionsI’ve never seen a waterfall like this beforeVisiting this waterfall was the main impetus why I wanted to visit Laos with my husband. The falls themselves looked amazing in all the photos I saw, and the green water! Oh, my god that water! However, it rained hard the day before we visited, and the water was murky and brown, and not at all inviting for a swim. That being said, it was still a fabulous experience to see the incredible falls. It was quite crowded because everyone wants to see it. But it was a wonderful experience nonetheless. An extra added attraction was the bear sanctuary. We managed to time our visit to seeing the bears being fed. That was more fun than anticipated. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a waterfall like this one before. So many different levels and layers, and the huge amount of water going over… it really should be seen, no matter what color the water is that day.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 October 2023
- Saumitra KabraAhmedabad District, India13 contributionsBeautiful and a must do outing!A wonderful wonderful place to go to! If you are in Luang Prabang you simply cannot miss this. Pristine water flowing throughout the area and nice little places to sit and eat alongside makes this a special place to be. A short trek takes you to the top of the waterfall where you can actually swim in the water!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 November 2023
- ianwyjSingapore5,211 contributionsEasily a highlight of the Luang Prabang regionThis attraction was in all the guidebooks, so naturally we had to do the touristy thing and give it a visit. And we were so glad that we did. The complex was made up of three fairly beautiful waterfalls, all of differing heights with the main falls being the highest. Over a long period of time, the river that cascaded from the various falls had helped to create pools at several levels. These pools were attractions in their own right, with a fair number of visitors choosing to take a dip in the cool waters. Accessing the falls was easy with a fairly well-kept visitors trail that included a few bridges although some sections could be somewhat wet and/or muddy. In addition, apart from there being no safety handles at the points of entry into the pools, the water's edge also appeared to be a little slippery, so those choosing to take a dip should be careful. Needless to say, there were no lifeguards on duty. Being in the forest, the trail also proved to be a nice nature escape with flowering shrubs and butterflies being a common occurrence.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 November 2023
- midnight-moonHarrogate, United Kingdom434 contributionsBeautiful relaxing morningArrived at 8 and there were only a few people there that early, by the time we left at 10 it was much busier but still ok. If you’re there for the nature I’d suggest getting there early. The path to the very top of the falls is a little difficult and you’re not missing much if you can’t manage it. They seem be be constructing a new staircase/path so I imagine it’ll be easier in the future. The water is beautiful and obviously pretty cold, very glad we had water shoes to enter as there were numerous branches and rocks. Couldn’t see any showers but the water is refreshing enough you don’t even really feel like you need one!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2023
- Patrick GMarina del Rey, California14 contributionsBetter than the picturesWell worth the drive. These waterfalls are magical, and present so many Instagram opportunities. Easy, family-friendly hike once you are dropped off by the shuttle. Don't forget to wave hi to the rescued bears and visit the butterfly museum :)Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- Misty Jones41 contributionsWorth the trip!Really enjoyed visiting here - climb to top is perfectly doable but steep. Wouldn't have wanted to descend in the rainy season! I'd advise getting here early - crowds had really built up by late morning.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 January 2024
- TrailBlazer9620916 contributionsBeautiful falls with may turquoise poolsThese falls are absolutely stunning, as well as the falls within the park there is a bear rescue centre and for a small additional entrance fee a lovely butterfly park. After paying the entrance fee you are taken, very efficiently, in an electric vehicle to the falls. Unfortunately the toilets are poor, dirty with no toilet paper etc . On route to the falls you pass the bear sanctuary where there is an information area explaining the work of the Free the Bears sanctuary along with option to give a donation or buy some items. The falls have many levels each one more amazing than the last, they literally are breathtaking. There is an option to swim or bathe in these beautiful waters at various points in the basin waters. There are also nature trails you can walk. A short ride on the way back you pass the butterfly farm a lovely oasis of tranquility. With your entrance fee you are given a small handbook telling how to follow the route and what to look for. Within the butterfly park is an enclosed area where the butterflies fly around,. There is a guide in the enclosure who gives a short talk on the different stages of the butterfly life cycle and shows some interesting specimens, including a challenge to spot the butterfly that is indistinguishable from a dead leaf! There is also a cafe where you can get drinks and light snacks. We would highly recommend this visit and if you can leave plenty of time (3 to 4 hours )so that you really appreciate all that is on offer . There are also lots of stalls selling food, clothes and souvenirs scattered around the park,Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 January 2024
- Lesley G9 contributionsBeautifulThe waterfalls are really spectacular. We drove there on a scooter witch was really scenic, however the roads have loads of pot holes so you need to be vigilant as it's quite dangerous. If you take your time and enjoy the journey it's a great experience. It gets very busy though so don't expect it to be peaceful 🤪. Lots of amateur photo shoots taking place everywhere 🤣Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 January 2024
- Becky93EGreater London, United Kingdom38 contributionsAs beautiful as the photos!The falls are genuinely as beautiful and blue as they look in the pictures. We organised a private driver to take us to the falls and wait for us for around 4h so that we could enjoy them at our own pace, rather than be part of a big tour group. We got there around 10:30am and didn't feel like it was too crowded. We walked and then hiked up to the top of the falls (which was a bit tricky on the final bit up to the top, as the easier path up was closed for renovations so we had to take the dirt path on the right). Though it was a tricky climb up, we really enjoyed the pool and space at the top of the falls and did a bare foot slow climb down on the way back ready for another dip in one of the lower pools on our way back.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 January 2024
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MumbaiRiders
Mumbai, India1,903 contributions
Jan 2020
Kuang Si Waterfall" is approximately 30 Km from Luang Prabang city and is a 3 tier waterfall that begins in shallow pools atop the hill-side.Had visited the falls in a group tour of 16 tourists at a cost of 40,000 Kips just for transportation.Entrance to the National park is 20,000 Kips and on entering the park the visitor get's to visit the "Rescue bear centre". Had a dip in the natural swimming pool of the waterfalls and it was a out of the World experience and akin to a artificial swimming pool this enclosed tier of the waterfall had a stepped down deep side near the mouth of the gushing waterfall.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pennyworth
Truro, UK58 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited the falls from Luang Prabang. Leaving our hotel in a mini van at 8.30 we didn’t stop to “see the village” so arrived at 9.30 and were virtually the only ones in the car park. A really pretty place. We walked to the top of the falls, took the little bamboo raft (1$) for a quiet 10 mins, stick your feet in the pool while you wait and let the little fish nibble your toes! We then followed the flat path through the teak Forrest/jungle to the Spring Water where the river is supposed to start. It is Marked as a 2-3km Walk but only took took around 40 mins at a slow pace. Once there it is a magical spot full of crystal clear pools For swimming, greenery and butterflies. We didn’t go up to the Buddha cave. We were early so no visitors yet, though people were arriving as we left, there were not many and all Europeans. Friendly restaurant owner served us perfectly bbq /cooked fish on banana leaves which we ate in one of the thatched huts, best we have had in Laos! Allow plenty of time to visit not to be rushed. We returned on the left side of the waterfall which was steep and slippery. Fine really, but some with flip flops were struggling. We swam at the bottom waterfall to finish which by then was busy but still great. Call in for an ice cream at the Buffalo farm on the return to Luang Probang and day sorted 👌
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMOH8
Guildford, UK2,280 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We visited during Chinese Lunar New Year and so the place was absolutely swamped by their tourists.
All around the falls and their pools are clear notices in many languages advising what is permitted, what is dangerous etc but obviously there must have been something in the small print that says that these rules don't apply to Chinese tour groups!!
We also suffered from selfish antics by a couple of Californian idiots whose main aim seemed to be to ensure that every other visitor took home a photo of them in front of / on top of the waterfalls!
Enough wingeing but the Laos management really needs to enforce their rules for the benefit of all the respectful visitors.
The waterfalls themselves are actually very beautiful, particularly the largest, and the surrounding landscape has many beautiful plants and flowers. Also enjoyable is the trip out of Luang Prabang, which was interesting in itself.
Adjacent to some of the waterfalls, and included in the entrance fee, are viewing platforms over an Asiatic black bear (moon bear) rescue centre which provides an additional point of interest.
All around the falls and their pools are clear notices in many languages advising what is permitted, what is dangerous etc but obviously there must have been something in the small print that says that these rules don't apply to Chinese tour groups!!
We also suffered from selfish antics by a couple of Californian idiots whose main aim seemed to be to ensure that every other visitor took home a photo of them in front of / on top of the waterfalls!
Enough wingeing but the Laos management really needs to enforce their rules for the benefit of all the respectful visitors.
The waterfalls themselves are actually very beautiful, particularly the largest, and the surrounding landscape has many beautiful plants and flowers. Also enjoyable is the trip out of Luang Prabang, which was interesting in itself.
Adjacent to some of the waterfalls, and included in the entrance fee, are viewing platforms over an Asiatic black bear (moon bear) rescue centre which provides an additional point of interest.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinayak Sharma
New Delhi, India92 contributions
Dec 2019
It a nice place. I recommend you take a taxi and club this with other tours. You can take a dip in water and enjoy scenic walk. I would recommend visiting around 9 am because around noon it get superb crowded.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
northlondonmum
15 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited these falls with a private driver from Luang Prabang. It gave us an opportunity to see the surrounding Laos countryside.The falls were very pretty and set in a well tended forested area. They are multi level and the cascades fall into amazing turquoise pools in some of which you can swim. There are facilities for changing and toilets as well. Although it was Saturday and a lot of locals were there with picnics it didn't detract from this pretty area. Near the top of the falls overlooking a cascade is a restaurant that sells beer and good food. Included in the modest entrance fee was a moon bear rescue centre which was well worth visiting.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara
Incline Village, NV83 contributions
Nov 2019
It was well worth the $20 price for the hour plus ride each way in a van with 6 people. It was a surprise to see bears in an enclosed area as you start up the path to the falls. I would recommend taking swimming suit and towel. (I forgot my towel and it was difficult to change into my clothes soaking wet). Around every corner is another beautiful cascading falls with pools just below. It was hard to STOP taking photos. The walk is about a gentle mile up to the largest falls with people picnicking along the way. When I got to the top there was a steeper path that goes up further about approx. 1/3-1//2 mile where there are steps (that were under the water) that you can take further up. (I didn't want to go by myself). There is a bridge you can cross if you do go that will take you to the other side of the river so you can come down that way. I asked the people I saw coming down from there. It was the highlight of my trip to LP.
Written 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate B
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar237 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I did: Full Day Kuang Si Waterfalls, Hmong Village Afternoon: Mekong Sunset Cruise (Downstream), Pak Ou Caves, Whisky Village Tour.
The guide (named Thin), van driver, boat captain, and the van itself were all great!
My friend and I chose the full day tour that started with the waterfalls, which meant they weren’t as busy with tourists as they apparently get later in the day. Everyone on our tour agreed we were happy we chose this option. And it also meant we enjoyed the sun set while on our boat cruise back from the caves/ whiskey village.
Kuang Si Waterfalls: They were beautiful! Totally worth it. My friend and I went as part of a group, so we were picked up from our hotel in an air conditioned van. I saw people driving the long (under construction) road in tuk tuks and on motorcycles- and I wouldn’t want to do that myself. None of our group swam as the water was cold. Pro tip: we walked up to paved road to the top of the falls, beating most other people to the top, since the route was direct. So we had a few minutes of the place to ourselves- which was awesome. Then we took the longer main route on the way back down. There is a bear rescue on site as well. I was opposed to the idea of the bears being in a zoo-like environment for tourists to see before going (I don’t even like regular zoos for the same reason).... and I’m still a bit conflicted after having seen it. But on the other hand, they were saved from a much worse fate....
The guide (named Thin), van driver, boat captain, and the van itself were all great!
My friend and I chose the full day tour that started with the waterfalls, which meant they weren’t as busy with tourists as they apparently get later in the day. Everyone on our tour agreed we were happy we chose this option. And it also meant we enjoyed the sun set while on our boat cruise back from the caves/ whiskey village.
Kuang Si Waterfalls: They were beautiful! Totally worth it. My friend and I went as part of a group, so we were picked up from our hotel in an air conditioned van. I saw people driving the long (under construction) road in tuk tuks and on motorcycles- and I wouldn’t want to do that myself. None of our group swam as the water was cold. Pro tip: we walked up to paved road to the top of the falls, beating most other people to the top, since the route was direct. So we had a few minutes of the place to ourselves- which was awesome. Then we took the longer main route on the way back down. There is a bear rescue on site as well. I was opposed to the idea of the bears being in a zoo-like environment for tourists to see before going (I don’t even like regular zoos for the same reason).... and I’m still a bit conflicted after having seen it. But on the other hand, they were saved from a much worse fate....
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James E
Omaha, NE47 contributions
Dec 2019
Obviously you can see hundreds of photos, reviews and videos of this place, but what surprised me the most was how big the area was. I was expecting a couple of medium sized pools with hundreds of tourists surrounding them. But that was not the case at all. It's a solid 10 minute long walk with at least a dozen stops to take in the falls and surrounding nature. There are even a few places to eat and drink along the way, which was nice.
We were there in December, so it was cold. Jeans and a sweater. It was fun watching the crazy tourists jump in the cold water and scream about how cold it was.
We attempted the trail climb to the top of the falls, but eventually we turned around as we felt it was too dangerous for our comfort level. You would not want to attempt the climb with flip flops.
2 hours went by quickly.
This is a MUST SEE in Luang Prabang.
We were there in December, so it was cold. Jeans and a sweater. It was fun watching the crazy tourists jump in the cold water and scream about how cold it was.
We attempted the trail climb to the top of the falls, but eventually we turned around as we felt it was too dangerous for our comfort level. You would not want to attempt the climb with flip flops.
2 hours went by quickly.
This is a MUST SEE in Luang Prabang.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Golly1945
Vancouver, Canada24 contributions
Feb 2020
Being our first visit to Laos, and with only 3 Nights in Luang Prabang, we wanted to make the most of our visit. In researching what to see and do, Kuang Si Falls was highly recommended.
However, our Tour Operator said that it was not worth visiting, as the water flow was too low at that time of year (early February).
However, one Review said that they went later in February and the Falls were stunning. So, based on that Review, we amended our Itinerary ~ what a great decision ~ these Cascading Falls which continue on into Mini Falls & Pools were absolutely beautiful ~ our only regret is that we could not have stayed longer! Would go back in a minute to this enchanting place!
However, our Tour Operator said that it was not worth visiting, as the water flow was too low at that time of year (early February).
However, one Review said that they went later in February and the Falls were stunning. So, based on that Review, we amended our Itinerary ~ what a great decision ~ these Cascading Falls which continue on into Mini Falls & Pools were absolutely beautiful ~ our only regret is that we could not have stayed longer! Would go back in a minute to this enchanting place!
Written 2 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariele
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam1 contribution
Feb 2020
The waterfalls are astounding! Therefore happy we went. We booked in wit ha company that had been promoting a shared minibus trip with pick up from the hotel of yours, 2.5 hours in the falls then dropped to the primary night market. It had taken around forty five to make it happen and 2.5 hours was more than period that is enough as the water was much too cool to have there for over a couple of minutes. But walking around and also consuming the breathtaking scenery was worth the journey. On the walk on the falls, you pass by way of a Bear sanctuary that is a pleasant added extra. Certainly head to the falls whether you're previously in Luang Prabang!
Written 7 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are thinking of visiting mid October? Will the falls be more turquoise and calm then or do they tend to be brown still from rainy season?
Written 6 April 2021
Hi there, how long it takes from LP to the falls? And if you don’t want to swim how long should we stay to look around and take pictures? Thanks.
Written 17 January 2020
About 30 minutes by van. I think about one to two hours is enough excluding swimming..
Written 17 January 2020
Ko Phuo
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
How do I get there from Vientiane? Any public transportation or any other way?
Written 20 May 2019
You can get a mini van from Vientiane to Vang Vieng then to Luang Prabang where the falls are.
Or
You could probably get a sleeper bus or something from Vientiane to Luang Prabang but I think it’ll be a long ride. Hope this helps.
Written 20 May 2019
I heard that the water in kuangsi fall is not as blue as in phốt, as it is aug (monsoon season) and it is brown. Anyone in Luang prabang could confirm this? Thanks so much..
Written 25 August 2018
Yeah, at this time it's brown. Also some paths are closed...
Written 4 September 2018
Is it worth the visit now? I heard that now that it’s rainy season the waterfall is not as beautiful as it is in dry season.
Written 5 August 2018
Les chutes ont débordées et le débit d'eau est impressionnant. La balade est très amusante à faire. Cependant c'est sur que l'eau est bien moins claire qu'en saison sèche
Written 10 August 2018
Are there taxis or tuk tuks at the falls to take us back to luang Prabang if we don't want to have one wait for us?
Written 4 July 2018
If you want to stay as long as you want consider hiring a motorbike. Then you are not repentant on organised tour schedules.
Written 26 March 2019
celine r
Biganos, France
Quel était le prix de l'entrée ? Et du tuk tuk si vous l'avez pris de Luang prabang (aller/retour)?
Written 21 January 2018
Celine, Tuk-Tuk sont 35,000 Kip (€3) sans un petit pourboire (€1) par aller et meme pour le retour. Entré 20,000 Kip selon saison (€2) pp. Bonne visite... prend environs 3 heures au total pour le Parc.
Written 22 January 2018
I am just wondering what people do with their phones, cameras, wallets etc. When they are swimming? Are there lockers or do you have to leave them by the pools?
Written 20 November 2017
Hi Alistair, There are lockers, but not all that many! Most people seemed to put everything in one bag, and then took turns guarding it. Another group had their guide do that job! Hope this helps
Robbin
Written 21 November 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Hua Hin, Thailand
sure. i rented a bike. very easy drive takes about 1 hour. go early as it gets very crowded
Written 30 December 2017
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