Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls, 30 kilometres south of Luang Prabang, is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Laos. The falls cascade over a series of limestone terraces into a succession of turquoise pools, each a different shade from pale jade to deep teal depending on the light and depth. You can swim in the pools, which are refreshingly cool.

The most popular pool for swimming is at the base of the main falls, a three-tiered drop of about 60 metres. A trail leads up past the falls to the top, where the stream flows through forested hills. Near the entrance, a small bear sanctuary rescues Asiatic black bears confiscated from the wildlife trade. The falls are best visited on a weekday morning — they get crowded with tour buses by late morning. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

things to do sight
A story
The turquoise colour of the Kuang Si pools comes from dissolved calcium carbonate — the same chemistry as the famous Blue Hole in Belize and the turquoise lakes of Plitvice. The limestone bedrock that forms the falls also builds up slowly, year by year, creating the terraced pools. Locals believe the pools are home to a nagas — mythical water serpents — and until recently, ritual offerings were made at the falls each year.