After breakfast we took a Tuk Tuk for a 1 hour drive thru the countryside. Spectacular vistas with tiered fields. We made a quick stop in a local Hmong village, one of the ethnic minorities of northern Laos.
Our final destination was the Kuang Si Falls, the largest waterfalls in Luang Prabang
. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside which lead to the main fall with a 60 metre (200 ft) cascade.
You start the gentle climb at the bottom of the falls and follow the trail up through the jungle to each level. Surrounded by wild jungle and it feels like you're in an untouched oasis. The water collects in numerous, spectacular turquoise blue pools as it flows over limestone rock formations downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls. Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, the rich blue-green water hue comes from light reflecting through the high levels of calcium carbonate deposits in the water. It's absolutely breathtaking!
We spent a few hours swimming in the deliciously cold water and exploring the pools.
The bear rescue centre with the Asian black bears rescued from poachers was an unexpected sight.
In the evening, we headed into town for supper and had an incredible meal at L'Elephant (a French restaurant - with an actual French chef). Totally delish. Laos is spectacular but their typical food is fairly average. Lots of rice, some curry dishes, no noodles.
Kuang Si Falls
Friday, June 05, 2015
Luang Prabang, Louangphabang
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Comments

2025-02-17
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mom
2015-06-06
wow ! this must be one of the outstanding views of the trip ...i can see that photo of the cascading water up on your wall !!!!
are the village folks friendly ? love those two little munckins on the dirt road !
oh yes ,of course love " les belles " as well !!
hugs, mom
Lara
2015-06-07
Yup, that waterfall pic is a keeper for sure! Alyssa said she always thought those shots you see of azure/turquoise water were digitally enhanced. We can assure you they are not! Unbelievable.
The village kids were super friendly but this was more touristy than hiking out into the mountains for a visit with locals...