The turquoise waterfall known as Kuang Si Falls has quickly become one of the most popular places to see in Laos.
These wonderful Laos waterfalls have a series of cascades and pools that are perfect for swimming in. Itβs almost like a natural waterpark in the jungle!
The pictures on this page show the actual color of the waterfalls without any enhancement. Itβs incredibly blue if you visit in the right season.
This travel guide will explain how to get to Kuang Si Falls, and everything you need to know before you go!
Kuang Si Waterfall: What To Expect
Before you reach the main waterfall from the famous Instagram photos, you have to walk up an easy dirt trail along a turquoise stream, with dozens of smaller waterfalls and swimming holes.
The first few pools are great for swimming! Thereβs a changing room so you can switch into your bathing suit, and lots of other people were doing this. The water was a bit chilly, but not unbearable.
Two other cool photo spots along the way: a huge banyan tree, and a unique cascade near the end that looks like flat stacked layers of water.
At the end of the trail is the main 60 meter (200 foot) waterfall. You canβt swim in this one, but itβs easy to take photos from the bridge. The colors are amazing!
If you have time, you can hike above the main cascade to see even more Laos waterfalls. We decided to stop here because wifey wanted to swim, and I wanted to take more pictures of what weβd already seen.
All in all, this place was a fantastic experience and we hope to come back again sometime!
Why Is Kuang Si Waterfall Blue?
The Kuang Si Waterfall gets its terrific blue color from minerals in the water.
Specifically, the cascades and pools of Kuang Si flow over limestone rocks, which gives the water its unique milky blue color.
Entrance Fees
- Entrance: 20k Kip (~$2 USD)
- Parking: 2k Kip
Laos Bear Sanctuary
Before the entrance to the falls, thereβs a small sanctuary for rescued Asian black bears (sun/moon bears).
You can watch the bears playing here and itβs already included in your entry ticket for the falls.
These black bears are rescued from bile farms and protected from the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to see the falls is anytime from November to February, when the water is more settled and has the turquoise color.
We went in late December and this was perfect! Keep in mind, toward the end of the dry season (March to June), the falls start to dry up and wonβt have as much water left.
Itβs also possible to visit during the monsoon season (July to October), but the falls will be roaring with muddy water. Theyβre still impressive, but wonβt be swimmable and you wonβt see the famous blue colors.
How To Get To Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls is located about 30 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of Luang Prabang, the old capital of Laos.
The drive to these Laos waterfalls takes 45 minutes and you can go by scooter, private car or tuk-tuk with driver, or shared minivan.
Driving on these mountain roads is a little crazy, so I think the private/shared van option is best. Itβs safer than a scooter and still very cheap!
Best Kuang Si Falls Tours
Klook has shared van tours to Kuang Si Falls for $6 USD per person β insanely low price!
We booked our tour through this company and had a great experience. It includes hotel pickup and dropoff, and we were able to spend almost 3 hours enjoying the waterfalls.
They have a morning tour starting at 11:30 AM, or an afternoon one at 1:30 PM. We did the 11:30 tour and it was great.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Silichith Guest House in Luang Prabang for $19 USD per night and got a clean double room with cold A/C, WiFi, and a hot shower.
Best of all, it's in a perfect location near the Mekong riverside, Night Market, Royal Palace, and a bunch of good local restaurants.
Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal!
