The 9 Waterfall Tours in Luang Prabang That Earn Their Price

1.Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,769 reviews · from $48Our pick

Spend about nine hours outside Luang Prabang with a Mekong boat ride to Pak Ou Caves, a whisky village tasting, buffet lunch, Kuang Si Falls, and a short Hmong village visit. Guides such as Pong, Ping Pong, Tony, and Vone are praised for clear explanations and good care. Sunset upgrades are worth considering.

“The cruise was relaxing. The stop at the caves was brief as the caves are small but nevertheless they were interesting. All you can eat buffet was good plus you can take some extra bananas to feed the elephant. The waterfall was attractive though unfortunately jam-packed with tourists from a certain country just north of Laos. Still, if you choose to swim in the calm pools above the falls that should be ok as few people go up there. The "villages" part I believe is somewhat deceptive. They are really very brief pitstops and frankly can be skipped.”

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2.Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,360 reviews · from $52

Spend nine full hours around Luang Prabang with guides such as Mr Pong or Mr Pingpong. Cruise the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves, visit Ban Xang Hai for Lao Lao whiskey, eat beside Manifa Elephant Camp, and swim at Kuang Si Falls.

“Great tour, especially if you haven't so much time in Luang Prabang you can take this combined tour and visit two of the main attractions in the surroundings of Luang Prabang. We did the cruise on the Mekong in the morning amd enjoyed it so much. The cruise was pleasant and we also enjoyed the stop at Ban Xang Hai to see how they produce whiskey from rice. After we visited the Pak Ou Caves, an interesting place. The lunch at Manifa Elephant Camp was tasty and we also had the opportunity to feed the elephants. In the afternoon we went to Kuang Si, beautiful place and waterfalls but very…”

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3.Luang Prabang: Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 158 reviews · 5 hours · from $35

Travel from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls with an English-speaking guide such as Pany, Khanthong, Mr. Da, or Vone. Swim, walk the forest trails, visit the bear rescue center, then return by long-tail boat with one drink and sunset views.

“Good and efficient trip to the stunning Kuang Si falls and then take a relaxing boat trip back to Luang Prabang. Would have liked a bit more time at the falls. We ended up walking 1km up to the entrance instead of taking the buggies, and there is a reasonable hill. We did this to avoid the huge queues due to several griuoytours arriving at once. This was fine, but as someone who is not that fit, it then ate it into the time I thought I might have to climb to the higher pool. Those who were fitter were still able to do this so I guess the answer…”

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4.Day Trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 95 reviews · from $32Best value

Travel from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Falls in a group of up to 10, swim in its cool turquoise pools, and return by sunset boat on the Mekong. Afternoon and full-day versions are available. Guides such as Pany and Phan are praised for friendly service, though guiding depth can vary.

“Pany was a great guide and kept checking in to make sure we were happy! The falls were very beautiful”

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5.Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw: River Cruise, Hike & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 53 reviews · 1 day · from $55

Travel from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw by van and private boat, with lunch on board, a village stop, and a waterfall hike. Your English-speaking guide leads the day, with guides such as Nouan praised for careful service. Expect mountain scenery, a bumpy road, and an active finish.

“The hike to the waterfall was beautiful but was a little more challenging than expected. You had to climb over some wooden gates along the path and walk up the slippery rocks in the waterfall to get to the pool. it isn't just a simple path so I think people should know that before they go. The good was really good and the timing was good throughout the day. We liked our guide.”

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6.Luang Prabang: Bamboo Experience & Kuang Si Falls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 8 hours · from $63

Spend eight hours with a small group learning bamboo weaving, preparing Lao dishes, and eating lunch at a rural pavilion. Your English-speaking host introduces bamboo tools, instruments, and games before taking you to Kuang Si Falls, its bear rescue center, and turquoise swimming pools.

“Honestly the BEST activity I've booked throughout any of my travels in Southeast Asia. The organisation was flawless, allowing us to do countless activities in the space of one day without ever feeling rushed (bamboo instrument introduction, bamboo weaving, bamboo cooking, lunch, bamboo dancing, Kuang Si Falls). The service and hospitality of the Bamboo experience team was fantastic, they were extremely kind, were able to accommodate dietary requirements (ie no pork for my boyfriend, some other customers wanted less spice etc), and the hygiene standards of the whole facility were fantastic, especially given the (breathtakingly beautiful) rural location. We also had ample time to explore Kuan...”

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7.Luang Prabang: Full Day Trek to Kuang Si Waterfall & Village

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20 reviews · from $63

You’ll trek about 9 km from Long Lao Village through rice paddies, orchards, jungle, and natural springs to Kuang Si Falls. An English-speaking guide such as Dang leads the walk, with hotel pickup, lunch, swimming time, the Bear Rescue Center, and a Hmong village visit included.

“we had a great trek with DANG all day long. Thanks to him for sharing with us his expérience. We had a great day with him !!!!”

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8.Luang Prabang Thin Pha Trail & Tad Sae Falls Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 8 hours · from $95

Spend eight hours hiking 12 kilometers from Xiang-Ngeun through rice fields, forest, limestone grottos, and Hmong and Khmu villages. Your English-speaking guide leads the walk, a motorboat carries you along the Nam Khan, and Tad Sae Falls offers a swim when water levels allow.

“Guide et chauffeur parfait. Guide (Linh ?) à l’écoute et parfait pour cette excursion en privé.”

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9.Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Falls Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 9 reviews · 8 hours · from $150

Travel from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls with an English-speaking guide such as Tid. Expect a Mekong boat crossing, Buddhist statues, Lao Lao tasting, lunch, turquoise pools, and a visit to the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center.

“Lunch was quite bad, considering the high cost of the tour package… it was in a local eating place outside the entrance to the waterfalls… full of flies, stray cats and dogs”

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