I visited Laos after a enterprise journey to Singapore earlier this 12 months. 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. One in all lately 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 aspect 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 12 months not like the Tad Sae Waterfall which was dry. I solely visited the Kuang Si Falls for that cause.
The way to get to the Kuang Si Falls
They’re situated 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 on account of lack of rain however this space has pure water sources which make two harvests a 12 months potential. The views are superb and may’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 manage the car parking zone. I don’t keep in mind the doorway worth to be sincere because it was so little. Low-cost, because the native costs, which isn’t all the time 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; fascinating 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 stunning.
Decrease terraces
Swimming within the decrease terrace just isn’t splendid 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 coloration because of the vital variety of minerals.
Essential terrace of falls
I walked as much as the primary 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 awesome spot for selfies or unique tropical photographs as you possibly can see within the photograph under. I continued as much as the primary waterfall of the Kuang Si Falls.
Kuang Si essential waterfall
The primary 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 strategy 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 pictures of flowing water. After two to 3 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 fascinating in comparison with neighboring international locations as its a lot much less developed and doesn’t see that many vacationers. One of the simplest ways 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 powerful however this additionally is dependent upon the place you go. A day lease for a 4×4 was about 50 euro which wasn’t far 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 after I returned the automobile.
Meking River ferry crossing
To cross the Mekong River from Luang Prabang it’s important to pay a small price however that’s principally nothing. It’s a small journey on a ferry that to me seemed prefer it may sink anytime.
The native persons are curious as they don’t appear to see many foreigners. Native children coming back from college checked out me with faces “what the hell is he doing right here”. Remember the fact 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 aspect
My recommendation is to simply drive round however be sure you take the street that circles round (see additionally the GPS map under). You will note children on motorbikes, ladies washing garments within the river and farmers working the land. In a small village I finished as there have been pigs strolling round. I requested for the worth, however they gave a to excessive worth – as per my information – so I didn’t purchase one. I desire beef anyway. It was burning season which suggests farmers burn the rice fields. Smog is hanging within the air in all places as you possibly can see on many of the photos; brown yellow skies. Should 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 12 months. I assume 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.
Should 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 aspect of the Mekong River. It’s an awesome expertise to be taught concerning the locals. I had an awesome day journey and on the finish of the day I went again to my luxurious lodge: 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 wonderful nation, and I have to return to go to different areas in the future quickly.
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Gallery Kuang Si Falls
Click on a picture for a full display gallery of extra photographs taken throughout this journey. Should you like to make use of any photograph for business, personal or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.