Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from if you purchase something through them. This comes at no extra cost to you!
Kuang Si Falls is the most popular and awe-inspiring attraction in the Luang Prabang region of Laos, and for good reason!
In a serene jungle setting you’ll find a long series of tumbling waterfalls and cascading blue pools that are perfect for an afternoon dip. I like to think of Kuang Si in three different stages which I’ll explain later, with each providing copious unique photo opportunities and bathing spots. It’s got the type of magical vibe that encourages people to come back time and time again to spend all day around here, so I can safely guarantee you’ll struggle to drag yourself away once you’re here too!
This is certainly not a destination to miss when in Laos, and I’ve eagerly visited this gem in both the wet and dry seasons of 2019 and 2022.
This is my complete guide to visiting Kuang Si Waterfall, one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang, including everything you need to know as well as some photography from my trips!
- Country: Laos
- Language: Lao/Laotian
- Population: 55,000
- Currency: Laotian Kip (£1/$1 = 18,000/16,500 kip)
- Visa info: For most nations a 30 day visa to Laos costs $40 which you’ll pay at your point of arrival, whether it be at an airport or land border. For land crossings you are required to provide a small self-portrait.
- SIM cards: There are a few different providers for SIM cards in Laos, such as Unitel, LaeTel and TPlus. All have good internet coverage across the country and can be bought from international airports, most shops and some hostels. I used Unitel and paid a relatively large sum of 180,000 Kip (£10) because I bought it at a hostel in a remote town. That gave me 35gb for 30 days, but the price at street vendors will be atleast half that
Where is Kuang Si
Kuang Si is located about 30km southwest of Luang Prabang in northern Laos.
Check out the location on the interactive map below
When to go
Laos has two main seasons:
- Wet season: April – October
- Dry season: November – March
I’ve been to Kuang Si in both seasons and can confirm it never dries up and is always stunning. When I visited in the wet season I was half expecting a brown, muddy mess, but was pleasantly surprised to see the classic turquoise colours that make it iconic
- Opening times: 8am – 5:30pm
How to get to Kuang Si
Kuang Si Falls are 30km south of Luang Prabang and there are three popular ways of getting there, with one additional wildcard option.
- Motorcycle: This way you’re free to stop at as many scenic landscapes on the way as you like or continue exploring after you visit the falls. Prices tend to vary around town, so best to ask around first. Expect to pay from 80,000 – 120,000 Kip for 24 hours and pay about 40,000 Kip to fill it up with petrol.
- Tuktuk: A budget-friendly option is to grab a tuktuk from town. If you’re in a group, a private tuktuk should cost about 200,000 Kip for the round trip. If you’re alone, perhaps wait until there are more people who want to come with you. Make sure you ask for a round trip, not just one way, which should cost about 50,000 Kip per person.
- Tour: By taking a guided tour you’ll pay a lot more but have a stress-free time. You can book directly in Luang Prabang or online, both of which will usually include some other attractions as well. Check out Viator, Klook or GetYourGuide for tours to Kuang Si. Note: These companies also offer non-guided transport options. Use the link below if you don’t require a guide!
- Cycle: And now for the wildcard option. If you’re incredibly fit, want to save money and fancy a 60km cycle, this is the one for you. I passed a few tourists doing this and couldn’t quite believe my eyes. Be prepared for a hot, sweaty day and bring lots of water. I definitely don’t recommend this as the roads are in a terrible state and locals drive fast, but it is possible if you fancy a challenge!
Expected costs
You’ll be please to know that a day out at Kuang Si is cheap and cheerful!
If you’ve rented a motorcycle, expect it to cost 40,000 Kip to fill up (which is probably enough for two trips here!).
The parking fee is 2,000 Kip and the entrance ticket is just 25,000 Kip which includes a stop at the Rescued Bear Sanctuary and the shuttle bus. A bamboo raft ride at the very top of the waterfall is 10,000 Kip.
How long to stay
Some people spend all day relaxing here, but approximately 2-3 hours is a decent amount of time to allow for a swim, taking lots of photos and walking the whole loop.
Thinking of visiting Southeast Asia soon? Don’t miss these essential guides to help planning your trip:
What to expect at Kuang Si
Getting there
Kuang Si Waterfall is located 30km from Luang Prabang and is the perfect opportunity for a road trip!
Note that the general road quality in Laos is in extremely bad condition compared to other southeast Asian countries, so be mindful on the drive south and watch out for the ridiculously deep potholes craters.
I wholeheartedly recommend stopping at Nakhoun Cafe, located about half way to the falls here. Ideal for breakfast or lunch (I had both), this family run restaurant has scenic rice terrace and mountain views and a great selection of affordable Laos and western foods. It just opened 2 weeks ago (early September 2022) and is just off the main road. There are plenty of signs counting down the distance from either side and I really can’t recommend it enough, even if it’s just for one of their iced coffees!
Arriving at Kuang Si
Arriving at Kuang Si has changed in the past 12 months, which caught me off guard because even Maps.me hadn’t updated yet.
Before, you would drive right up to the entrance gates where you’d park and buy your tickets. Nowadays the car park and ticketing offices are about 1km down the road from the official entrance.
If you came by bike, pay 2000 Kip for parking and then approach the ticket lady and get your ticket to the falls for 25,000 Kip. The ticket includes a brand new electric shuttle bus system, so grab one of the many waiting shuttles to get to the gates!
Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary
Your entrance ticket to Kuang Si Waterfall also supports the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary and includes a visit to see the bears. The sanctuary is impossible to miss as it’s right at the start of the trail to the waterfall.
Established by the “Free The Bears” fund, the sanctuary rescued these Asian black bears from the illegal wildlife trade, giving each one a name, rehabilitating them and making living conditions much more realistic. There is a boardwalk providing a great view of the animals (unless they’re being shy and hiding in the back of their large pen) and lots of information on each one’s personality and characteristics. You can support the cause further by buying a “Free The Bears” t-shirt, which I did in 2019.
Exploring Kuang Si Falls
I like to think of Kuang Si Falls as having 3 distinct stages:
- The cascading pools
- The main waterfall
- The circuit trail
1. The cascading pools
Following the easy path from the Bear Rescue Sanctuary along the river takes you to stage one.
The first stage has enough “wow” factor that it would easily be crowned the main attraction in most destinations worldwide, but here it is merely a warm up to the main event!
The cascading Gatorade-coloured turquoise pools flow effortlessly into each other in such a tranquil setting. There are so many idyllic places that’ll make you want to strip off (in the changing rooms, of course) and go for a swim, so if you fancy a dip in the pools this is the place to be, although I recommend doing the whole route first then cooling off later.
If it’s quiet you might have your own private natural infinity pool for the afternoon!
Most people seem to stop at one of the first good spots they see, but trust me, it only gets better as you continue along the trail. Around every corner you’ll find “the perfect pool”, so try not to settle for the first one you see.
In most of the pools you can jump/dive in but be aware of the signs at areas where you can’t. Some pools are sacred and totally off limits too, so be respectful.
2. The main waterfall
Kuang Si waterfall is a totally unique spectacle and both times I’ve been I’ve felt goosebumps on my arms and a rush of happiness.
Even though it’s huge, the water kind-of quietly tumbles down the rocks in a very relaxed way, as opposed to there being one huge drop and lots of noise. On that note, the currents are strong at the base of the falls and although swimming is encouraged in the lower pools of the waterfall, it is banned at the main waterfall for safety reasons… and probably because you would ruin everyone else’s pictures as well! Don’t be that person.
There is a long bridge that’s perfect for uninterrupted appreciation of the falls and a couple of platforms on either side for photos as well, but be prepared to get showered in spray there!
3. The circuit trail
From the base of the falls there is a 600m metre circuit trail on the left that takes you up to the top, rising 100m from the base of the large waterfall and eventually back down to the other side of the bridge.
I must say I wouldn’t recommend this to the unfit among us as the path is steep and sometimes treacherous, but if you are prepared to drag yourself up and sweat profusely on the way this is an epic thing to do while visiting Kuang Si.
Take the path on the left of the waterfall and follow the brief but strenuous little trail up.
The humidity of the forest is what can make it quite tough, but if you’ve got plenty of water and no time limit why wouldn’t you send it?! It’s 100% worth it and you’ll probably find yourself all alone up there because most tourists don’t bother.
Once the path begins to even out you’ll have plenty of opportunities to peek over the fence for a view of the surrounding landscape from the top of Kuang Si falls.
There’s a couple of local dudes offering 10 minute raft trips up there for 10,000 kip, where one of them will take you along the river to “the source of Kuang Si falls” and back. For about $0.40, I figured I might as well!
This is a really magical and relaxing experience to do at the top, but alternatively you could go for a swim here and enjoy the peacefulness of a part of Kuang Si Falls that hardly anyone visits.
Watch out for the snakes in the trees!
Leaving Kuang Si
Once you’ve made you way back to the entrance, simply catch the shuttle bus back to the car park.
Note: The shuttle only runs until 5pm.
Where to stay in Luang Prabang
To visit Kuang Si you’ll want to stay in Luang Prabang. The town is very small and has plenty of guesthouse, hostel and hotel options.
I stayed at both Villa Rattanakon and Downtown Backpacker Hostel in 2022, which are both very good options. Private double rooms at Villa Rattankon are around $9 per night, whereas a bed in a dorm at Downtown backpackers hostel is around $4.
- Book the Downtown Backpacker Hostel on Hostelworld here.
- Check out Luang Prabang hotels on Booking.com here.
Packing essentials for the Kuang Si
- Bug spray
- Water
- GoPro/waterproof phone case
- Hat and sunglasses
- Travel towel
Bug spray and sun cream are essential to stay protected from mosquitos and the beating sun. You’ll also want to take some water, although there is an on-site restaurant, and certainly a travel towel if you want to go swimming!
Best tours in Luang Prabang
Thank you for reading this travel guide – I hope you found it helpful! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible 
Happy travelling!
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Accommodation: Booking.com, Hostelworld
Tours: GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook, TripAdvisor
Transport: 12Go, Omio, Trip.com, Rome2Rio
WHO IN THE WORLD IS JAMES?
Click below to learn more about my story, including 5 random facts about me, some travel FAQ’s and my entire travel history.
