Find out absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang. Learn about how to get there, what to do, entry fees, where to stay, and more!
Kuang Si Falls is for sure a must-visit when you are in Luang Prabang. However, the city is pretty lovely and quite different from others in Southeast Asia with a little bit of something for everyone.
To be honest, this impressive waterfall actually is the reason I first visited Laos and added it to my itinerary. After seeing numerous photos online I knew I had to see this place in person.
Long story short, it is 10000% worth the hype!
Beautiful turquoise waters flow down between each of the pools, creating a very tranquil setting and the perfect place for a swim to beat the heat. Of course, the gorgeous huge waterfall itself is the highlight, powerfully flowing straight down from the jungle.
There are certainly some things you need to know to make the most out of your visit. There are also certain times of the year when the waters turn an interesting shade of brown, a far cry from those famous pictures you see online.
So let’s find out what it’s all about, from how to get there, entry fees, what to expect, and more!
Kuang Si Falls In Luang Prabang: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Laos: 12Go Asia
Is Kuang Si Falls Worth Visiting?
Honestly this is unlike any waterfall I have ever seen before. The beautiful turquoise flowing waters make it unique to the rest of the waterfalls in Laos and many others around Southeast Asia.
This has resulted in it becoming quite the Instagram hotspot. Though I have visited twice, a few years apart, and this place barely changed which is part of its beauty.
The bright blue water is due to it flowing over so many limestone rocks on its journey, picking up lots of particles along the way. These particles contain high levels of calcium carbonate, a mineral known for reflecting light, resulting in incredible blue waters.
Lastly, what I really enjoy is that even though the carpark may be full of cars and vans, the falls do not seem overly crowded. This is thanks to the fact that they are located over such a large area with different highlights, spreading out all the visitors.
How Much Is The Kuang Si Waterfall Entry Fee
The entry fee is 60,000 LAK / $2.70.
It is best to pay this in cash. Depending on how you decide to get there, you may find that you’ll actually pay the driver the entrance fee rather than paying on arrival at the ticket booth.
What Time Are They Open?
Kuang Si Falls is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
How To Get To Kuang Si Falls
There used to be only two main ways to get to Kuang Si Falls. However, due to its popularity, there is now a wide range of options available.
Hiring A Scooter
The amount of scooter crashes I have seen in Luang Prabang is kind of crazy. Nevertheless, I would honestly only recommend hiring a scooter if you have driven one before.
The road between the city and the falls is a lot better than it was. It is in decent condition, but don’t expect a smooth ride. Potholes are inevitable.
The roads are still windy and relatively rural, so it probably wouldn’t be the best place to fall off. You will want to make sure you dress appropriately.
This means covered shoes and a helmet. No one wants to come home with a road rash souvenir.
If you are keen on an adventure, why not go for it? Just be prepared for dirt, crazy drivers, and potholes. Parking your motorbike once you reach the falls will cost about $0.25.
You will also want to hire your motorbike or scooter from a reputable company. A quick Google search will bring up a couple of options. Unfortunately, motorbike scams are common in Laos, so make sure you do your research first.
You can expect to pay around $20.00 per day to hire a scooter in Laos. It’s much more pricey here than in other countries in Southeast Asia.
By Shared Tuk Tuk
Taking a shared tuk-tuk was the most popular way to get here. This is the way the majority of blogs tell you is best. Just head to the main square in the city center, where the night markets start, and find some other travelers going in the same direction.
Unfortunately, on my most recent visit, I did the same thing, and it turns out this isn’t a common practice anymore.
I am sure it is still possible to travel in a shared tuk-tuk. You may just have to wait quite a while to find other travelers to share with.
The tuk-tuks in Laos are basically pickup trucks that legally can only fit six people, but drivers will squeeze in more.
It’ll still be super easy to find them hanging around. If you gather enough people, the driver should charge between $5.00 and $10.00 each.
On our first trip to Laos in 2017, we were desperate to see Kuang Si Falls. After leaving our beautiful hotel, we found a group of people in the middle of the town and a driver who was willing to charge $6.00 each which included the return trip, entry fee, and four hours exploring the waterfalls.
By Private Tuk Tuk
Alternatively, you can hire a private tuk-tuk for around $25.00 – $30.00 with some haggling. This is perfect if you do not want to be limited by the amount of time you spend at the waterfalls.
Also, if you want to visit pretty early to avoid the crowds, this is the best option for you. The driver will happily chill about waiting until you are ready to head back into town.
There is no need to pre-organize a private tuk-tuk. Wait until the day, then head to the main city square, where the night market is located. Here, you will find plenty available.
It is expected to haggle for the cost. However, remember that this is the driver’s livelihood, so don’t get so involved that you end up ripping them off.
Shared Mini-Van *RECOMMENDED*
Now, you know how I said taking a shared tuk-tuk is no longer the most popular and easiest way to get to the falls? Well, that title now goes to taking a shared minivan.
While waiting 20 minutes for some other travelers to show up to join our shared tuk-tuk adventure, we must have been approached by at least 6 different locals who offered us a ride in their van.
After realizing we had been standing there a little bit too long, we jumped in with the next driver, who asked. These minivan tours are obviously put together by hotels and travel agencies and typically cost around $7.00 to $12.00.
We were squashed into a van, but the one bonus was that at least there was air conditioning. Arriving at the Kuang Si Falls, I noticed that a lot had changed. A carpark that was once filled with tuk-tuks was now full of white minivans.
The only thing to be aware of when booking is that, depending on the other people you are traveling with, you will be restricted to the amount of time you actually get to spend at the falls.
Unfortunately, someone in our van had to be at the airport in 3 hours, meaning we had less than 2 hours to explore. However, that person decided not to say anything to the driver until we arrived and had no choice. The standard time for many of the tours is 4 hours.
By Boat
Next time I visit, I would love to do so by boat. It is a lot more exciting than being squished into the back of a minivan, and you get to see a different part of the city.
By boat, it takes about one hour to get downriver as close as you can to the falls. From there a tuk-tuk will take you the remaining way to the car park.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, there are surprisingly many different tours you can choose from. Be aware that this option is a bit more expensive than booking your general minivan transport. However, this is much more of an experience.
Tiger Trail offers a bicycle and longtail boat tour of Kuang Si Falls. On this, you will cycle to the falls, spend a few hours exploring the beauty, and then enjoy a relaxed boat ride back to the city center.
There are also heaps of choices on Get Your Guide, so I highly recommend checking them out.
By Bicycle
This is the perfect choice for those travelers who enjoy adventure and have a pretty damn good fitness level. Aka, not me.
It is a 30-kilometer journey from the city center. The roads have become busier, and even though they have been resealed, there are still plenty of potholes.
If you decide to do this on your Laos itinerary, please bring plenty of water with you, as high chance it will be damn hot. When you arrive, there are plenty of spots to cool off with a refreshing swim.
You can easily hire bicycles around town for around $2.00 or $3.00 per day. Just make sure you test out the bike well, as there is nothing worse than breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
Best Time To Visit
Depending on what time of year and what time of day you visit, it can really make or break your visit.
You may find the tranquil blue waters have turned an interesting shade of brown and become rushing rapids.
Seasons
This is the most important thing to consider when deciding whether to add Kuang Si Waterfall to your Luang Prabang itinerary. The falls will look different depending on the season you visit.
December to May: This is the best time of year to visit, and it is also the dry season. However, unlike the name suggests, you won’t find the falls dried out to a trickle. Instead, they will be their best, fully blue and peacefully flowing.
This is exactly when all those Instagram and Pinterest photos were taken. The one downside is that this is the peak season, so expect crowds.
June to October: This is the monsoon season in Laos and all over Southeast Asia. Heavy rains cause havoc throughout the region during this time of year. Roads are typically closed due to unsafe conditions, and towns can quickly become flooded.
During this time, the falls turn brown, and the water becomes rapids. It is not safe to swim, and you also won’t be able to hike to the top because the muddy trail is too slippery.
Time Of Day
Like most tourist hot spots, you’ll want to visit early to beat the crowds.
Vans usher tourists back and forth throughout the day. Though these typically start arriving at around 11 am.
Visiting before this will ensure you can have a relaxed experience. This will also allow you to get those freakin awesome photos without anybody ruining your shot.
If you visit during the weekday rather than on the weekend, you will also find it a little quieter.
What To Do At The Falls
Let’s get into what you can actually get up to here during your visit, because its a lot more than just admiring the blue waters.
Swim In The Lower Pools
You can swim in the lower pools. Head further up, and there will be fewer people. I am not sure whether they don’t actually know that it gets better, or perhaps they can’t be bothered walking, but the majority seem to stay at the lower portion.
Here, you will also find changing rooms, so you won’t have to stress about awkwardly trying to change with a towel wrapped around you.
Numerous jumping points exist from trees and rocks. Just double-check the depth so you don’t get hurt.
There are no lifeguards to help you if something happens. However, you will know which pools you can jump into, as they are well-signed. So please don’t ignore these rules.
The water itself is quite chilly, which is the perfect relief from the hot Laos temperatures. While swimming, little fish will come up and start nibbling on your feet. They are like the ones at a fish spas. Can’t complain about free foot treatments.
Admire The Main Falls
Further up the path, you will find the main waterfall. Trust me, it is hard to miss and extremely beautiful. This is the point where your jaw drops in amazement.
Located over the main pool, a bridge allows you to see it from either side. There are also two viewpoints on either side of this bridge allowing you to take some epic photos and appreciate these crazy views.
Unfortunately, you are not able to swim in the main waterfall. I could just imagine how dangerous this would be, as the water looked deep and had a strong current.
The waterfall has three tiers, and you can access both the top tier and middle tier, aka the secret pool, through a very steep hike up through the Laotian jungle. However, I will get into the secret pool a bit further down in this guide.
Hike To The Top
Continuing the hike up the waterfall is not for the faint-hearted, especially when it can be hot. It is extremely steep, and the ground is uneven and covered with tree roots. If it has rained recently, you will find the path quite muddy as well.
It is easy to tell this climb is challenging by comparing the number of people at the top with the massive number of tourists below. Seriously, there were maybe ten people at the top while I was visiting!
The easiest way to get up is to climb up the left-hand side when facing towards the pools. This is signposted, so you shouldn’t miss it.
Unlike the lower pools, at the top, the pools are not a gorgeous blue color. This may be due to all the shade up there. However, there is an awesome viewpoint that looks right over the Laotian jungle. There are also some swings, and to get across, you have to balance on bamboo lengths tied together.
To get down, continue to follow the path to the other side of the waterfall, and you will see a track that descends. Just like the walk up the walk down is equally as difficult. I may have fallen over a few times. Remember to watch your footing!
Be aware that if you are short on time, I recommend going for a swim in one of the lower pools instead of hiking to the top. As awesome a view it is, it is a much more refreshing and memorable experience to take a dip in these gorgeous blue waters.
The Secret Pool
If you continue right along the bridge and into the jungle, you will come across a very steep path/climb. We had to take our shoes off as it was just so slippery.
However, about halfway to the top, there are two options. Continue on the path up or go left towards the ‘do not enter’ sign and bamboo fenced-off path.
To get to the secret pool, you need to ignore all warning signs and jump over them. I personally did not do it myself, though you can read Nomadic Matt’s adventure exploring the secret pool.
Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre
Before you get to the actual waterfall part of Kuang Si Falls, you will come across the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. This sanctuary is not funded by the government but by an Australian charity.
Many of the bears had been rescued from poachers as their bile is used in Chinese medicine.
Here, you will find over twenty rescued Asiatic Black Bears. They have escaped a horrendous fate and now live in a big enclosure with plenty of food and toys.
They enjoy their days lazing about while another one, who happens to be missing an arm, itches himself on a log. A viewing platform higher up gives the perfect vantage over their enclosure.
It is well worth supporting their conservation efforts by donating or purchasing a souvenir tee shirt during your visit.
Where To Eat At The Falls
By the time you have finished swimming, climbing, and exploring no doubt you will be hungry or at least thirsty!
There are so many eatery options and plenty of juice stalls in the parking lot to keep you going. However, I was certainly not brave enough to try the fish pictured!
It is reported the food here is a bit average and overpriced. Though what else do you expect from restaurants located right outside a tourist hot spot where travelers are literally dropped off by the hundreds on their doorstep.
Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with a can of Coke and some Pringles.
What To Pack For Your Visit
There are some things it’s best to take along with you to make the most out of your experience:
Camera: Of course, you can’t forget the camera. This place is absolutely incredible, and you will want it when you see the bright blue waters cascading down.
Go Pro: If you have a Go Pro, bring it along. You won’t be able to see much under the water, but you can get some epic shots of yourself swimming and relaxing!
Swimmers: Yes, you may not be able to swim in ALL the pools. But you will definitely want to bring along your swimwear so you can cool off and take a dip. There are changing rooms, so there is no need to wear it under your clothes.
Towel: Bring along your towel to dry off after you have had a refreshing swim.
Sunblock: Let’s avoid looking like a lobster and bring a reef-safe sunblock along with you!
Sunglasses: It’ll definitely be worth bringing sunglasses along with you. The sun shining off the water can be super bright, so protect your eyes.
Where To Stay In Luang Prabang?
There are plenty of choices of accommodation in Luang Prabang. From the impressive 5* resort, historic hotels, simple hostels, and locally owned guesthouses, you will find something to fit your budget and needs.
During our recent visit, we stayed on a quaint little side street just minutes from the city center and Mekong River. I fell in love with this little spot. Down this street, there are a few budget guesthouses and nicer hotel-style accommodations available.
Check out Villa Pumalin which has an indoor pool and beautiful wooden rooms starting at $30.00 per night.
Here are my top picks for the backpacking Luang Prabang:
A chill hostel with friendly staff. Dorms start from $6.50 per night inclyding breakfast. BOOK NOW |
More of a luxe hostel with great facilities. Dorms start from $10.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW |
A great location and with rooms starting from $45.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW |
A walk from the city attractions, starting from $26.00 per night with breakfast. BOOK NOW |
Wrap Up: All You Need To Know About Kuang Si Waterfall
Now you should know everything about visiting the top highlight in Luang Prabang. Definitely look at booking a tour or minivan transport there. You will be spoilt for choice with all the options available.
Try to visit Kuang Si Falls earlier in the day and avoid the weekends when it can be the most crowded.
Seriously, there is nothing better than cooling off here from the Laos heat in the gorgeous blue waters!
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
Want more Laos inspiration? Check out….
- VISIT KUANG SI FALLS, LUANG PRABANG
- EXPLORING THE LUANG PRABANG NIGHT MARKET, LAOS
- TAKING THE SLOW BOAT TO LAOS
- VISIT BLUE LAGOON THREE IN VANG VIENG, LAOS
- RIVER TUBING IN VANG VIENG, LAOS
- BEST HOTELS IN LUANG PRABANG
- PAK OU CAVES
- BACKPACKING LAOS
- HOSTELS IN LUANG PRABANG
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.
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great place to visit, thank you for creating this article
Although I haven’t been to this part of Asia yet, your photos of the waterfalls really do inspire me to make it a priority. How can there be this much beauty in one place? Also, I’d love to do the hike to the top and try all the local eats. Southeast Asia eats make me so hungry when I watch Anthony Bourdain traveling around and read blog posts.
I love Kuang Si Falls – it’s such a beautiful place, you’ve captured the ethereal magic perfectly! I actually took a completely different option of hiking for 3 hours through the jungle and fields, visited the cave and spring waters until reaching the top of the secret pool that way! Totally agree about watching your footing too, the swim is welcome after being covered in mud!
Wow! I did not know this was an option. Sounds amazing! Did you do it with a tour company or by yourself?
Sort of both! We were accompanied by a local who helped us out and came with us who was from our hostel in Luang Prabang – couldn’t have done it without him as the route through the jungle is unmarked of course!
Your pictures are gorgeous! What camera and editing software do you use?
Thanks, I shoot on my Nikon d3200 (super cheap DSLR), and on this adventure I just brought along the kit 18-55mm lens. I use photoshop to edit my photos with a few different presets depending on the vibe I want my photos to give off
How absolutely stunning! Putting this on my bucket list.. And it only costs 3 bucks? Amazing :D
I know right!
This looks so beautiful! And for $2.50, I’d say it looks and sounds completely worth it.
Totally worth it! You’ll even have enough money left over for a cold drink afterwards
This looks amazing, and stunning photos!! So adding it to my list of things to do when we’re in Laos next year, and booking marking this for all the great tips when we do! :)
OK fine I will definitely have to do my own region again next year after ranging further afield in recent years.
Wow. These falls are stunning! That colour is unreal. I’d love to go to Laos to see them. Those photos of the bears are heartbreaking though :(
The falls are amazing. The bears are well looked after and have been rescued. Unfortunately they would not survive in the wild though which is why they live here.
Oh I know the bears were rescued. I just mean it is so sad what happened to them with the bile farms.
Every time I see a picture of Kuang Si Falls I just have to laugh! When I visited I had images of this beautiful waterfall, but it was absolutely flooded. Like the tables around the falls were under water and most of the trails were shutdown for safety reasons. So, I love experiencing it through your photos!
Oh wow really! Guessing you visited in the wet season then? I visited in February and it was full of tourists! Like the Chinese tourist buses, though they only seemed to be at the lower pools, and the higher up you went the quieter it got, thank goodness.
Laos is somewhere which I am desperate to go to one day – I’ve been to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand but didn’t get there on that trip. This has reinforced it all the more – it looks stunningly beautiful, really interesting and your waterfall photos are amazing!
Oh you will defiantly have to! Its actually one of my favorites, I only spent 8 days in the country, and I need to go back and do more!
Never been to Laos but this just adds another reason to visit. Will definitely rent a scooter and try to find the secret falls! Also I’ve been to a bunch of animal sanctuaries in SE Asia but people have told me to not actually go and support them… I wonder if it’s the same one for the bear one hmm. Your pictures are absolutely STUNNING the water looks so so smooth!
Yeah if I go back I will definitely scooter, though when I was there I was not a confident driver so decided to tuk tuk. Yeah that bears are all rescued from the bear bile trade. I usually feel a bit iffy about zoos and ‘sanctuarys’ in asia, though this one was different. The enclosure is HUGE and the bears were all a little special eg the one missing an arm, they wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild
Stunning photos absolutely amazing the place looks totally unworldly. Love the fact that the Bear Sanctuary is a charity since I have heard so much about the bear poaching industry.
Yeah totally and I probably didnt do a good job in showing it in my photos, but the enclosure is HUGE
Your photos are stunning! I enjoyed my visit to Kuang Si Falls but definitely enjoyed reliving my experience through these photos!
Kuang Si Falls is literally the only place I know in Laos, but I’ve often read that it’s a beautiful country. :)
I love the slow exposure of your photos!!! It’s absolutely stunning and shows off the beauty in this little piece of the planet!
Another way to get to the falls is by minivan. Our hotel arranged it for us and for two of us it cost $13.50 (USD). We had a great time there and also made the incredibly difficult, treacherous climb to the top! You captured the scene up there so well.
Oh thats a good idea as well. I did like the travel agencies advertising that. That climb is horrible isnt it!?