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 in every of lately I employed a automobile and drove to the Kuang Si Falls within the morning. After lunch I drove via the agricultural areas on the opposite aspect of the Mekong River. Be a part of me on this should do tour round Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Falls day journey
The Kuang Si Falls are flowing many of the yr in contrast to the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that motive.
Tips on how to get to the Kuang Si Falls
They’re positioned just below 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang and simply reached by taxi or motorcycle. I nevertheless employed a automobile 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 as a result of lack of rain however this space has pure water sources which make two harvests a yr potential. The views are wonderful and might’t be missed; it’s on the final flip you are taking to the falls.
Once I arrived on the waterfalls I needed to pay a -very- small quantity to some man that appeared to regulate the parking zone. I don’t keep in mind the doorway value to be trustworthy because it was so little. Low cost, because the native costs, which isn’t at all times 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 after I arrived on the lowest terrace I had a small wow second. They ARE stunning.
Decrease terraces
Swimming within the decrease terrace will not be supreme however the second and third terraces have nice choices to swim. The turquoise blue water contrasts stunning with the luxurious inexperienced bushes. The water will get the attractive blue colour because of the vital variety of minerals.
Important 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 automobile. It’s a terrific spot for selfies or unique tropical photographs as you may see within the picture under. I continued as much as the primary waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si essential waterfall
The principle 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 option 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 a few hours I completed and determined to return to Luang Prabang to get lunch and cross the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang Rural Nation Facet Life
Rural life in Laos is fascinating in comparison with neighboring international locations as its a lot much less developed and doesn’t see that many vacationers. One of the simplest ways to expertise the native life is to cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang.
Driving a automobile in Laos
I like to recommend hiring a 4×4 as some roads are robust however this additionally relies on the place you go. A day lease for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t way more as taking a automobile with driver. I wasn’t even requested for my driver’s license I solely needed to hand over my passport which I bought again after I returned the automobile.
Meking River ferry crossing
To cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang it’s important to pay a small charge however that’s mainly nothing. It’s a small journey on a ferry that to me regarded prefer it may sink anytime.
The native persons are curious as they don’t appear to see many foreigners. Native youngsters getting back from faculty checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing right here”. Take into account that the locals don’t communicate English. I had a “tour information” 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 🙂 However we had enjoyable.
Driving Laos nation aspect
My recommendation is to simply drive round however ensure you take the highway that circles round (see additionally the GPS map under). You will note youngsters on motorbikes, ladies 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 worth, however they gave a to excessive value – as per my information – so I didn’t purchase one. I choose beef anyway. It was burning season which implies farmers burn the rice fields. Smog is hanging within the air in every single place as you may see on many of the footage; brown yellow skies. For those who drive the roads I did you’ll move an space with a pure supply of water the place the fields are inexperienced. Right here the farmers do two or three harvests a yr. I suppose 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.
For those who go to Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos, you 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 aspect of the Mekong River. It’s a terrific expertise to be taught in regards to the locals. I had a terrific day journey and on the finish of the day I went again to my luxurious resort: 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 a lovely nation, and I need to return to go to different areas at some point quickly.
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Gallery Kuang Si Falls
Click on a picture for a full display gallery of extra photographs taken throughout this journey. For those who like to make use of any picture for business, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.