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Swim in the Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si Waterfall Trail, Laos

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Kyle Wenzel

The Kuang Si Waterfall is about 30 minutes outside of downtown Luang Prabang and is an absolutely stunning set of waterfalls. Not only that, but you can swim in the pools! A must see for photographers and swimmers alike.

When you first park you will walk through a small market of food and craft vendors. Once in the park you will hike through a Moon Bear sanctuary where you can learn about the bears and the work they are doing to help them. Going about 5 minutes up trail will bring you to the first of the waterfalls and swimming area; from there just follow the trail up to all 6 levels of the waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Swimming
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Swimming Hole

Swim in the Kuang Si Waterfall Reviews

No matter how much the Tuk Tuk drivers try to dissuade you, spend more than 2-3 hours here. You can spend hours just swimming in the different levels. Go early in the day to beat the crowds, and enjoy the beauty of the whole place to yourself. Also you might just get lucky enough to find the secret falls...

While in Luang Prabang, I visited this waterfall twice. The first time I arrived around noon and while I found the falls beautiful, I was a little turned off by the crowds. The second time, I hired my own tuk tuk and got to the falls around 8am. I saw one other person during my entire first hour and the experience was totally different. I was able to wander, swim and enjoy the falls in peace. Definitely worth going, just head out early (get there before 9/930 if possible). Also plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here if you want to walk all the way to the top of the falls. You'll stop at several points to take pictures, swim, etc so you'll be here longer than you expect.

I love that certain sections of the falls you are prohibited from swimming in them (pretty much all of the upper sections) which keeps them pristine so people can enjoy them for years to come. There is so much to see and explore, we had a picnic by the upper falls and then did a small hike around to the right where you can get to the spring, and then worked our way down for some swimming. There is a fun log to jump off of for a 25 ft or so jump. There will usually be lots of people (I found that many people were British tourists) in the lower falls swimming, but just accept you won't have the place to yourself and have fun with people from all over. Note: the lower falls has small fish in it that you can't see, but the little guys like to nibble on your feet and legs, it can be a bit of a surprise.

Nice photos and good description. You can follow the trail on top of the waterfall to get to the spring of it.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Watch the Sunset from Wat Tham Phousi Temple

Hike to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall