(content by James C)
If you are planning to visit Laos this vacation, you might have started looking out for places that cannot be missed on the trip. One such tourist attraction is Kuang Si Falls, one of the most visited sites in Luang Prabang. Make sure that you ask your travel planner to add it in your Laos Tour Package Itinerary without fail.
How to reach Kuang Si Falls?
You have multiple options to reach there such as Songthaeaw, tuk tuk, motorbike or by boat. The fees might vary from $5 to $10 and it might take around 50 minutes to one hour to reach there by tuk tuk or Songthaeaw. You can ask your travel agent to make travel arrangements if you don’t want to do it by yourself. There are many drivers you can find across the street offering trips to Kuang Si Falls for moderate fares or you can also request your hotel service to make an arrangement. It is recommended to ask travel agents or hotel service to book as they will be able to book for a reasonable fare. You might end up paying more if you do it by yourself. Regular minibuses are running from Naluang minibus station that can drop you at Kuang Si Falls.
The road to the Kuang Si Falls
You will be spellbound during your trip to Kuang Si Falls as the road passes through hills and offers a spectacular view. In addition to that, if you have hired a private tuk tuk or minivan, you can ask the driver to stop at a Hmong village which is famous for its hand-woven handicrafts. You can see old ladies wearing Hmong traditional outfits which are simply beautiful and mesmerising. You can even buy some costumes if you like. The weather turns cooler and breezier once you reach near to the falls.
Reaching to the waterfalls area
Once you reach Kuang Si Falls, you have to pay the entry fee which is 20,000 kip ($25) to enter the area. The money you spend is worth it, considering what the falls have to offer to you. You will see a trail map to plan your trip in the area, but you can just go with the flow too. There is no need to plan at all as you can make your wandering with the help of walkways which are marked well and bridges to guide travelers. Once you have paid the entry fee, you can start walking towards a forested area and enjoy the enclosures accommodating Asian black bears.
Also, there are picnic benches arranged in many parts of the park where you can spend some awesome time with your family and friends. It is a shaded park and you can have your own time while swimming and jumping in the pool and enjoying the Mother Nature at its best.
Kuang Si Falls and pools
There are several falls you will find here and some of them are multi-tiered too with small cascades and blue pools at the bottom. It will be a truly remarkable moment for you as the biggest fall you will witness where the water drops a massive 50 meters into another pool. You can swim in any pool except one that is a scarier fall. All the pools where swimming is allowed are marked and there are bridges to take photos. However, you need to remember that water is very cold. The entire area is a perfect cool-off and you will surely have some amazing time of your life.
Trails to follow at Kuang Si Falls
If you want to climb to the top of the falls, you can follow trails where there are more natural pools for swimming. You will see the path to the top of the falls on either side of the bridge and you can choose any of them to climb. The path on the left side is easy, but for adventure lovers, the right side of the path is more challenging with no steps or handrails at some points. Also, you will need good hard shoes to climb, especially in the rainy season when the trails are slippery. Carry some water with you to have it during the climb. Upon climbing, you will find a breathtaking pool and its source and you can have a beautiful view down to the picture.
Where to eat
Once you are done with all climbing and swimming, you will be hungry. You will find many stalls selling food and beverages near the picnic area and you can buy stuff from there and choose a place to enjoy food with your loved ones. Also, if you want a sophisticated place for dining, there is a restaurant called Kuang Si Green restaurant which serves delicious fresh dishes. However, it might be a costlier deal.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss this jaw-dropping travel destination when you are in Laos. Add this place in your Laos Tour Package without fail or you will miss the most remarkable and splendid attraction worth visiting. If you are traveling with children, they will simply love it.