Tumbling through the jungle about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Falls (Tat Kuang Si) are among the area’s most attractive waterfalls, combining a dramatic drop and pools.
In addition to swimming in the cool water, swinging on ropes, and enjoying snacks from on-site eateries, you can visit a bear-rescue sanctuary and a butterfly park.
Location : 300 meters before entrance to Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang, Laos
- The Basics
- Things to Know Before You Go
- How to Get There
- When to Get There
- The Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre
1. The Basics
There’s a small charge to visit the Kuang Si Falls, which are usually experienced as part of a day trip from Luang Prabang.
While you don’t need a guide to enjoy the falls, the general absence of public transport and challenges of self-driving in Laos make tours worthwhile.
Day tours typically combine the Kuang Si waterfalls (and perhaps the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre) with other attractions, such as minority villages, the Pak Ou Caves, or the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Kuang Si Falls hiking tours are also an option.
2. Things to Know Before You Go
- Between the butterfly park, the bear-rescue sanctuary, and the falls themselves, the Kuang Si area makes an excellent family day out.
- Lao women don’t wear bikinis and often swim in T-shirts and shorts or fully clothed. Men should add a T-shirt to their swimwear, while women should wear one-pieces or wear a T-shirt over their bikini.
- The Kuang Si Falls are equipped with simple public restrooms and changing rooms.
- The path to the falls is not wheelchair-friendly.
3. How to Get There
The Kuang Si Falls cascade about 18 miles (29 kilometers) southwest of Luang Prabang.
As so often with Lao tourist attractions, there is no public transport. Chartering your own tuk-tuk or joining an organized Kuang Si tour is easier and safer than driving.
The journey takes around 45 minutes in each direction.
4. When to Get There
The Kuang Si Falls are at their most intense between June and October but are still impressive during March, April, and May.
The dry season, roughly November to January, is Luang Prabang’s tourist peak.
The falls are far from magical during this time, although the butterfly park and bear-rescue center are operational.
5. When to Get There
Moon bears (Asian black bears) are often farmed for their bile, which is used in traditional medicines.
Crammed into cages, unable to move, with catheters inserted directly into their gall bladders, it’s a brutal life, and the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre helps save them from it.
Do consider a visit while you’re at the falls.