Don’t go chasing waterfalls…actually idk what TLC was talking about because you most definitely should go chase this waterfall!
The Kuang Si waterfalls are located a bit south of Luang Prabang, Laos. They are currently #1 on my list of best waterfalls I’ve ever seen. You can get there by taxi, tuk tuk, or motorbike from Luang Prabang. My friend Eve and I took a motorbike and it was honestly a pretty long/windy/bumpy road… but it was cheap! Since it’s ways outside the city the tuktuk / taxi is quite expensive unless you are sharing it with a bunch of people. Since it was just the two of us, the motorbike made the most sense.
My favorite bit about Kuang Si is the color of the water; it’s that picture-perfect shade of turquoise that just makes you want to jump in and swim. The reason the water is so gorgeous is because of the spring the waterfall stems from. Since the water flows through limestone rocks the particles get into the water and convert to calcium carbonate. The calcium turns the rocks white and reflects light… and thus the water on top is extra blue.
Kuang Si is known for its cascading rock formations that causes the turquoise water to evverfesently flow into perfect pools for swimming. There is the main waterfall (where you can walk on a footbridge to view up close) and then there are several smaller waterfalls as you keep going up.
The entrance is at the bottom of a hill and as you walk up, the waterfall gets more and more beautiful. You can choose to swim in any of the cascading pools unless there is signage not to. There are a few spots with signage either for danger or because the locals consider it a sacred spot.
Most people stay in the main swimming area but if you continue to climb the stairs you can get to a cute little secluded spot at the top. On your way, there are beautiful views of the Laos countryside and at the top there is a rope swing and swim spot.
There are also a lot of picnic tables and bathrooms so it’s a great place to pack a lunch and spend the day. Outside of the entry gates there are a bunch of food stalls and tourist shopping if you want to go that route as well.
Overall it’s an A+ waterfall and if you are in Luang Prabang, then you shouldn’t miss it!
TIPS!
1. There are tons of fish!!! They are harmless but they nibble at your toes and it honestly freaked me out. I’m pretty sure they are the same fish at the fish pedicure spas that eat the dead skin off your feet.
2. There is a steep 20,000 kip entry fee (That’s 2 dollars lol)
3. When you enter there is a bear sanctuary so make sure to look at all the Asiatic bears!
4. Be careful where you jump in. There are lots of sharp rocks and branches etc in the water and I ended up cutting my foot and had to get bandaged up by the on-site first aid station.
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