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 all nowadays I employed a automotive 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 part of me on this should do tour round Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Falls day journey
The Kuang Si Falls are flowing a lot of the yr in contrast to the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that purpose.
The right way to get to the Kuang Si Falls
They’re positioned just below 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang and simply reached by taxi or bike. I nevertheless employed a automotive and drove there myself as later that day I might 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 resulting from lack of rain however this space has pure water sources which make two harvests a yr doable. The views are superb and may’t be missed; it’s on the final flip you’re 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 bear in mind the doorway worth 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 occasions extra.
Animals at Kuang Si Falls
It’s a brief stroll to the falls both over a paved street or via a jungle path. There are a number of cages with bears and different wildlife; attention-grabbing however not a significant 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 ultimate 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 gorgeous blue colour as a result of vital variety of minerals.
Foremost terrace of falls
I walked as much as the primary terrace of the Kuang Si Falls. It’s doable to swim right here however I’m not so keen on swimming so I simply watched the folks whereas having fun with some chilly drink I cooled within the automotive. It’s an incredible spot for selfies or unique tropical pictures as you may see within the photograph beneath. I continued as much as the primary waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si major waterfall
The principle fall is 60 meters excessive and it’s doable to go to the highest to see three different smaller falls. I remained on the backside because it was solution to sizzling to go all the way in which up. It additionally didn’t slot in my schedule as I wished to stroll round a bit extra and experiment with pictures of flowing water. After two to 3 hours I completed and determined to return to Luang Prabang to get lunch and cross the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang Rural Nation Aspect Life
Rural life in Laos is attention-grabbing 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 automotive 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 hire for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t rather more as taking a automotive 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 automotive.
Meking River ferry crossing
To cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang it’s a must to pay a small price however that’s mainly nothing. It’s a small journey on a ferry that to me appeared prefer it might sink anytime.
The native persons are curious as they don’t appear to see many foreigners. Native children getting back from faculty checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing right here”. Needless to say the locals don’t converse 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 be sure to take the street that circles round (see additionally the GPS map beneath). You will note children on motorbikes, girls washing garments within the river and farmers working the land. In a small village I ended as there have been pigs strolling round. I requested for the value, however they gave a to excessive worth – as per my information – so I didn’t purchase one. I want 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 a lot of the footage; brown yellow skies. If you happen to drive the roads I did you’ll cross 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 assume the farmland is price extra right here too. All-in I drove for about 3-4 hours round earlier than I headed again to Luang Prabang.
If you happen to go to Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos, it’s essential 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 an incredible expertise to study in regards to the locals. I had an incredible 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 wonderful nation, and I need to return to go to different areas in the future quickly.
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Gallery Kuang Si Falls
Click on a picture for a full display screen gallery of extra pictures taken throughout this journey. If you happen to like to make use of any photograph for business, non-public or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.