Kuang Si Falls

30 kilos south of Luang Prabang lie the Kuang Si Falls. This magnificent many-tiered waterfall is a sacred spot in Laos, tied to a local legend. We took a day trip to see the waterfall. It's the favorite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang, and I was prepared to be a bit underwhelmed by a touristy photo spot. Instead, I was completely blown away by the majesty and power of this incredible waterfall.

the lowest tier at Kuang Si Falls

It took about half an hour to reach the falls from Luang Prabang and, after a brief but incredibly worthwhile visit to the Bear Rescue Center, we entered the forest park proper.

The legend of the falls tell of an old man who created the waterfall by digging into the side of the surrounding mountains. The water roars down the mountain to a series of pools considered blessed and sacred by local people.

an ancient jungle tree in the forest park

The entrance to the park led us first past a calmly-moving river fed by a few low waterfalls. At the bottom, a series of crystal-clear pools were the perfect place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy a brisk dip in the ice cold mountain water. There was also a very nice picnic spot! We are visiting Laos in September, in the heart of the rainy season. It's at this time that the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and the river is perpetually flooded. We are in luck! In the winter, the falls wouldn't be nearly as impressive.

a perfect place for a picnic

As we trekked further up the falls, the water grew rougher and wilder. Though the waterfalls were still fairly short, the currents were growing much more powerful. These areas were certainly off-limits to swimmers!

wild and turbulent waters

And then finally, we arrived at the main Kuang Si Waterfall. Even from a far distance away, the cold,  damp air wet your hair and made you feel chilly. I've never been to Niagara or Victoria Falls, and Kuang Si is by far the most impressive waterfall I've ever seen. Wild icy waters tumble 200 feet down the sheer cliffs of the green Laotian mountains, cutting like a razor through the dense jungle.

visitors at the biggest fall

Here, you can truly feel the power of nature, and it's easy to see how the Kuang Si Falls are considered to be a sacred place. In Laos, a mountainous landlocked nation, the river is the source of life, but it's also the source of great dangers, especially during the rainy season. As we stood on the wooden bridge in front of the waterfalls, millions and millions of wild, turbulent water crashed down onto the boulders below, spraying everyone nearby with a constant icy mist.

Kuang Si Falls

The Kuang Si Falls were indeed something very special.

an amazing 200-foot waterfall