Kuang Si Falls
ຕາດກວາງຊີ
Luang Prabang's most famous natural attraction, with three tiers of limestone cascades and a string of milky-blue travertine pools. Swimming is allowed in designated pools.
Kuang Si Falls lies in a valley about 29 km southwest of the old town. The main fall drops about 60 m. Downstream, more than a dozen tiers of milky-blue travertine pools have formed, and you can splash around in the pools marked for swimming (there are changing rooms). Pools marked 'no swimming' are sacred. At the entrance, the Free the Bears sanctuary displays Asiatic black bears rescued from poachers. A trail follows the stream for about 20 minutes to the viewing platform at the main falls. You can also climb a steep path on the right side of the falls to the top, which takes about 30 minutes and is slippery in the rainy season. Entry costs 60,000 kip (about RMB 20), and it is open 08:00–17:30. Getting there: shared tuk-tuks from the old town cost about 50,000–80,000 kip per person round trip, and a private charter costs about 250,000–300,000 kip. You can also rent a motorbike and drive yourself (roads are decent, about 50 minutes), or join an afternoon tour organized by your hotel. Aim to arrive before 13:00 to avoid tour groups. Bring swimwear, non-slip shoes and a towel, as the on-site food is basic. Nearby, you can stop at the Kuang Si Butterfly Park (entry 40,000 kip).
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre
- Phosy Market
- Wat That Luang (Luang Prabang)
- Wat Manorom
- UXO Lao Visitor Centre
- Luang Prabang Night Market
- Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham)
- Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre