Kuang Si Waterfalls is the most popular attraction in Luang Prabang, and rightly so. Its beautiful blue water, makes it a worthy attraction to see. Head here to swim in the pools of water, hike to the top or meet the bears.
How to get there
The best way to get there is to grab a tuk tuk. It costs about 30,000 kip per person (round-trip), but the tuk tuk will wait for enough people before leaving. The ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get there. The driver will wait at the entrance for you to return before heading back, so you'll need to agree on a time as a group.
Once you get there, there will be restaurants and food stands if you want to grab something to eat. Head up road and pay the entrance fee (20,000 kip) to get in.
Free the Bears
As you walk towards the falls, you'll pass by Tat Kuang Si Rescue Centre where you can visit the bears. There are signs with information about the bears and the rescue centre to learn more. You can also donate to the cause by purchasing a t-shirt!
Hiking up Kuang Si Waterfalls
As you continue to head down the path, you'll be greeted by various pools of blue water, waterfalls and signs that teach you more about the fauna. You can stop here to dip into the water for a swim. Just note that it's better to dress conservatively, or you'll be stared at.
If you want to hike up to the top, keep following the path, which is past the bridge. It's a short 20 minute hike to the stairs from here. We never went up the stairs, so we have no clue what the view is from there.
**If you want to see the secret spot, don't head up the stairs, but go past it to the other side of the water. You'll need to head down the rocks from here, until you reach a pool of water and waterfall. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the spot from the stairs. If you head behind the waterfall, there's a little cave.