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 lately I employed a automotive and drove to the Kuang Si Falls within the morning. After lunch I drove by way of 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 a lot of the yr not like the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that purpose.
Tips on how to get to the Kuang Si Falls
They’re positioned slightly below 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang and simply reached by taxi or motorcycle. 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 potential. The views are superb and might’t be missed; it’s on the final flip you are taking to the falls.
After 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 keep in mind the doorway worth to be trustworthy 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 instances extra.
Animals at Kuang Si Falls
It’s a brief stroll to the falls both over a paved street or by way of a jungle path. There are a number of cages with bears and different wildlife; attention-grabbing however not a significant 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 is just not superb 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 as a result of vital variety of minerals.
Major 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 folks whereas having fun with some chilly drink I cooled within the automotive. It’s an ideal spot for selfies or unique tropical images as you possibly can see within the picture beneath. 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 potential to go to the highest to see three different smaller falls. I remained on the backside because it was option to scorching to go all the way in which 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 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 nations as its a lot much less developed and doesn’t see that many vacationers. One of the best ways 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 robust however this additionally relies on the place you go. A day lease for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t far 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 you must 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 children getting back from college checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing right here”. Remember 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 facet
My recommendation is to only drive round however be sure to take the street that circles round (see additionally the GPS map beneath). You will notice children 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 worth – as per my information – so I didn’t purchase one. I want beef anyway. It was burning season which implies farmers burn the rice fields. Smog is hanging within the air in every single place as you possibly can see on a lot of the footage; brown yellow skies. In case 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 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.
In case 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 way of the agricultural space on the opposite facet of the Mekong River. It’s an ideal expertise to be taught concerning the locals. I had an ideal 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 phenomenal 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 images taken throughout this journey. In case you like to make use of any picture for industrial, non-public or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.
