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 today I employed a automobile and drove to the Kuang Si Falls within the morning. After lunch I drove by 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 purpose.
The 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 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 attributable to 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 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 manage the car parking zone. I don’t keep in mind the doorway worth to be trustworthy 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 highway or by a jungle path. There are a number of cages with bears and different wildlife; fascinating however not a significant factor. The falls are fairly idyllic and once 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 preferrred however the second and third terraces have nice choices to swim. The turquoise blue water contrasts stunning with the plush inexperienced timber. The water will get the gorgeous blue coloration as a result of important variety of minerals.
Most important 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 folks whereas having fun with some chilly drink I cooled within the automobile. It’s a terrific spot for selfies or unique tropical pictures as you may see within the picture beneath. I continued as much as the principle waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si fundamental waterfall
The primary 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 sizzling 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 images 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 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 automobile in Laos
I like to recommend hiring a 4×4 as some roads are powerful however this additionally relies on the place you go. A day hire for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t far 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 obtained again once I returned the automobile.
Meking River ferry crossing
To cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang you need to pay a small price however that’s mainly nothing. It’s a small journey on a ferry that to me regarded prefer it might sink anytime.
The native individuals 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”. Remember the fact that 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 only drive round however be sure to take the highway that circles round (see additionally the GPS map beneath). You will notice youngsters on motorbikes, ladies 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 worth, however they gave a to excessive worth – as per my information – so I didn’t purchase one. I favor beef anyway. It was burning season which suggests farmers burn the rice fields. Smog is hanging within the air all over the place as you may see on many of the footage; brown yellow skies. In the event you 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 value extra right here too. All-in I drove for about 3-4 hours round earlier than I headed again to Luang Prabang.
In the event you go to Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos, you will need to make a tour to the Kuang Si Falls. I like to recommend additionally hiring a 4×4 and drive by the agricultural space on the opposite aspect of the Mekong River. It’s a terrific expertise to study 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 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. In the event you like to make use of any picture for business, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
