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. Considered one of as of late I employed a automobile and drove to the Kuang Si Falls within the morning. After lunch I drove via the agricultural areas on the opposite facet 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 in contrast to the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that cause.
Find out how 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 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 because of lack of rain however this space has pure water sources which make two harvests a yr potential. The views are wonderful 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 regulate the 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 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 serious 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 is just not preferrred however the second and third terraces have nice choices to swim. The turquoise blue water contrasts stunning with the luxurious inexperienced timber. The water will get the attractive blue colour because of the vital variety of minerals.
Most important terrace of falls
I walked as much as the principle terrace of the Kuang Si Falls. It’s potential 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 automobile. It’s an important spot for selfies or unique tropical pictures as you’ll be able to see within the picture beneath. I continued as much as the principle waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si principal waterfall
The principle fall is 60 meters excessive and it’s potential to go to the highest to see three different smaller falls. I remained on the backside because it was approach 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 images 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 attention-grabbing 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 robust however this additionally will depend on the place you go. A day lease for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t rather 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 acquired again once I returned the automobile.
Meking River ferry crossing
To cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang it’s a must to pay a small charge however that’s principally nothing. It’s a small journey on a ferry that to me regarded prefer it may sink anytime.
The native persons are curious as they don’t appear to see many foreigners. Native youngsters getting back from college checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing right here”. Remember 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 facet
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 notice youngsters 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 value – 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’ll be able to see on many of the footage; brown yellow skies. In the event you 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 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 via the agricultural space on the opposite facet of the Mekong River. It’s an important expertise to study in regards to the locals. I had an important 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 an attractive 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. 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.