Kuang Si Falls
A multi-tiered waterfall about 29 km south of Luang Prabang. Its water spills over limestone into turquoise pools, with signposted swimming spots and a bear rescue centre on the path in.
Kuang Si Falls in 30 seconds
About 29 km south of Luang Prabang, the most popular day trip from the town. The water cascades in tiers into pools, ending in a main drop of about 60 metres. Some pools are signposted for swimming, and changing rooms are nearby. The Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, run by Free the Bears since 2003, is inside the park. The water looks bluish in the dry season and deep green in the wet season.
About Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls, also spelled Kuang Xi or Tat Kuang Si, is a multi-level waterfall about 29 km south of Luang Prabang in northern Laos. The water starts in shallow pools on a steep, forested hillside and flows over white limestone into a series of turquoise pools before the main fall, which drops about 60 metres. Tourism Laos describes it as a favourite trip for visitors to Luang Prabang.
The colour of the water changes with the seasons. According to Tourism Luang Prabang, minerals such as copper give the water a bluish colour in the dry season. In the wet season it turns deep green, and the falls get loud enough to hear before you see them. Walkways and bridges lead visitors past the cascades, and a trail to the left of the main fall climbs towards the top.
Several pools are signposted for swimming, and changing rooms are nearby. The Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre sits along the forest path inside the park. The Australian charity Free the Bears built it in 2003 together with the Lao Department of Forestry. Rescued bears are cared for there, and Tourism Luang Prabang says the centre needs no separate ticket.
When to go: For the bluish water most photos show, go in the dry season. In the wet season the flow is heavier and the water turns deep green. The park opens at 8:00, and travel guides say an arrival between 8:00 and 9:00 avoids most of the midday crowds.
Getting there: Kuang Si is about 29-30 km south of Luang Prabang by road. Tourism Luang Prabang lists shared tuk-tuks or vans at about 60,000 kip per person and a private vehicle at about 250,000 kip per group. It also notes that cycling takes about two hours, with some steep hills. Fares change, so agree on prices before you set off.
The story of Kuang Si Falls
The falls are fed by the Nam Si, a river that rises about 10 km away. In the local name, 'tat' or 'nam tok' means waterfall, 'kuang' means deer, and Si is the name of the river.
Hill-tribe villages once stood near the river's source. According to Wikipedia, slash-and-burn farming there was linked to drought downstream, and after 1975 the Lao government relocated these communities.
Free the Bears received permission in 2003 to build its rescue centre beside the falls, in collaboration with the Lao Department of Forestry. The centre has three bear houses with room for 25 rescued bears. A Bear Discovery Trail, completed in 2014, explains bear rescue and conservation work to visitors.
Quick facts · visit planner
Things to know before you visit
Arrive at opening time.
Travel guides say the falls get crowded by midday, while an 8:00 to 9:00 arrival gives a quieter walk and calmer pools.
Swim only where signs allow.
Swimming is allowed in signposted pools only, and changing rooms are nearby.
Pack modest swimwear.
Tourism Luang Prabang notes that bikinis and very revealing swimwear are frowned upon, and that walking around shirtless or in a bikini top is considered rude. Cover up away from the water.
Stop at the bear centre on the way up.
Entry is included, and Free the Bears also runs paid Bear Care Tours whose proceeds go to wildlife protection in Laos.
Settle transport before leaving town.
Shared and private transport prices from Luang Prabang vary, so agree on the fare and the return time in advance.
Frequently asked questions about Kuang Si Falls
How far is Kuang Si Falls from Luang Prabang?
Can you swim at Kuang Si Falls?
How much is the entrance fee?
What are the opening hours?
Why is the water turquoise?
How high is the waterfall?
Is the bear rescue centre included in the ticket?
Sources cited on this page
- Tourism Laos · Waterfalls - Kuang Si Falls ↗
- Tourism Luang Prabang · Kuang Si Waterfall ↗
- Free the Bears · Laos Sanctuaries ↗
- Wikipedia · Kuang Si Falls ↗