The Secret Pool of Kuang Si Waterfall

"UPDATE 2024: This pool no longer accessible and you shouldn’t go there. I took a shared tuk‑tuk out of Luang Prabang to visit the famous Kuang Si waterfalls — a must‑see that lives up to the hype — paying a 20,000 LAK ($2.50) entrance fee after about a 45–60 minute ride (shared tuk‑tuks run around 50,000 LAK; private vans about 250,000 LAK). The falls cut through limestone jungle into a series of three aquamarine, terraced pools framed by white limestone rocks and tropical trees; the place feels fairy‑tale‑like, complete with a local legend about a wise man who dug the water and a golden deer (kuang = deer, si = dig). The lower pools are crowded with swimmers and selfie hunters, but hiking up a muddy, worn trail (which can require some mountaineering) leads to dramatically fewer people, fenced viewpoints, and spectacular valley views. We found a “secret” mid‑level pool via a hidden path — a near‑private aquamarine basin lit by the setting sun where we swam, cooled off in refreshingly cold water, and watched the tourists below; be aware this feature may no longer be accessible. After descending I finished the day eating from roadside stalls — BBQ chicken, sticky rice, and som tam — a perfect end to a perfect day. The best time to visit is December–May when the pools have settled." - Matthew Kepnes