Backpacking IndoChina: Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

After the chaos of Bangkok and the warm weather of Vientiane, we were looking forward to swimming in the turquoise-colored pools of Kuang Si.  We booked a half-day tour for 80,000/pax and joined 4 other people in a van for a 45-minute scenic ride. We paid the entrance fee of 20,000 kip and our driver gave us a quick rundown on the place as well as a stern warning against diving. We quickly set off on our way as we have to meet up after only 2 hours. It was a short hike to the tallest waterfall tier and since I have seen more than my fair share of waterfalls back in my tropical home country, I wasn’t really bowled over but as always with nature, it fills me with a sense of wonder.

The pools with its emerald colored water is another matter altogether. After googling images of Tat Kuang Si months before, it was everything I imagined and more. Although I felt disappointed that the rope swing I’d seen in many photos is already frayed and unused, I thoroughly enjoyed swimming. It was terrific getting my aching back massaged by a cascade of water. It was surreal swimming down under and opening my eyes to marvel yet again at the beautiful jade colored water.  The water was very cold and refreshing and it made me seriously wish we weren’t part of a small group on a half-day tour.



Note: Originally posted in my old blog, happy nomad.

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