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. Certainly one of today I employed a automotive and drove to the Kuang Si Falls within the morning. After lunch I drove by means of 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 many of the yr not like the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that motive.
Methods 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 nonetheless employed a automotive 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 attainable. The views are superb and might’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 car parking zone. I don’t bear in mind the doorway value to be sincere because it was so little. Low cost, because the native costs, which isn’t all the time 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 by means of 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 lovely.
Decrease terraces
Swimming within the decrease terrace just isn’t best however the second and third terraces have nice choices to swim. The turquoise blue water contrasts lovely with the plush inexperienced bushes. The water will get the gorgeous blue coloration because of the vital variety of minerals.
Fundamental terrace of falls
I walked as much as the principle terrace of the Kuang Si Falls. It’s attainable 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 automotive. It’s an incredible spot for selfies or unique tropical pictures as you may see within the picture under. I continued as much as the principle waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si primary waterfall
The principle fall is 60 meters excessive and it’s attainable to go to the highest to see three different smaller falls. I remained on the backside because it was strategy to scorching to go all the best way up. It additionally didn’t slot in my schedule as I needed to stroll round a bit extra and experiment with pictures 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. The easiest way 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 powerful however this additionally is dependent upon the place you go. A day lease for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t way 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 acquired 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 principally 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 youngsters getting back from faculty checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing right here”. Understand 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 only drive round however be sure to take the street that circles round (see additionally the GPS map under). You will note youngsters on motorbikes, girls 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 all over the place as you may see on many of the photos; 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 price 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 could make a tour to the Kuang Si Falls. I like to recommend additionally hiring a 4×4 and drive by means of 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 lodge: 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 good looking nation, and I have 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 pictures 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.
