The emerald pools of Kuang Si Falls

Kuang si are the spectacular waterfalls about 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang. Jump into a tuk tuk for a shared ride at 35,000 kip or sign up for a minivan at 40,000 kip that your hotel can arrange for you or you could find one waiting along the Sisavangvong road. The falls are multi-tiered and their turquoise blue or sometimes emerald green pools are a sight to both behold and jump in.

We decided to trek all the way up to the top of the falls in the true spirit of exploration. And we were rewarded with the breathtaking top view of the falls and multiple tiny lakes. The climb although not too long is not so straightforward either. It is both adventurous and a little daunting because many a times you will be guessing if you are heading the right way. We were often left guessing wondering if we were the only ones heading up but a lot of people make the effort to climb up the top. So if you find the company of others and the waterfall symphony missing for too long, you know you are going the wrong way. The hike up is slippery, through wild woods, underneath the green canopy and definitely not for everybody.

To navigate your way across the water pool at the top stepping over the moss covered rocks to get to the other side needs caution. If you slip, there is nothing to hold you back except for a railing of bamboo. But to put your feet on the black stones smothered by the time and water gushing down brings a feeling of peace to your nerves as you are panicking with both thrill and horror.

To walk down is more challenging. But each step is a wonderful surprise. We stepped down a waterfall taking the staircase carved out of stone and as we reached assuming the show is over, a giant water fall with a large pool at its feet greeted us. We wasted no further time, and jumped right into it.

After checking out the Mae Sa waterfalls in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I was not expecting much out of the Kuang si falls. But this one was really like a miniature of the Plitvice Jazeera in Croatia. If you haven’t heard about Plitvice, look it up. This is not just a thing to do in Luang Prabang, it is a thing to come to Luang Prabang for – our recommended must do in Laos.