Here is the continuation of our 15-day tour of Laos and Cambodia . In northern Laos, the three major sites of Pak Ou, Kuang Si, and Tad Sae are easily accessible from Luang Prabang.
Here's how we discovered and appreciated them. Two days are necessary to fully enjoy these sites.
Visit to the Pak Ou Caves
25 km north of Luang Prabang are two caves that represent a Buddhist pilgrimage site very popular with Laotians. They contain hundreds of Buddha statues of various styles and sizes.
How to get from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves?
We went to the pier located on the right bank of the Mekong (posted sign). The all-inclusive outing costs 100 LAK or around 000 Euros and includes a return trip to the cellars by slow boat with a possible stop to visit a typical village. We leave at 10:8 am, sail for 30 hours to arrive at the caves at 2:10 am. At 30:11 am departure for the return to Luang Prabang where we will arrive around 30:13 pm.
How to visit the Pak Ou caves?
The visit takes 30 to 45 minutes. The Tham Ting cave is located on the 1st level (quick and easily accessible visit). The 2nd cave (Tham Phoum) is much higher up and is not lit (bring a flashlight).
Tad Kuang Si
Here's one of my favorite spots in Laos: the Tad Kuang Si waterfalls . About 30 km from Luang Prabang, we discovered a truly magical place. Hidden away in dense, wild vegetation, a series of small waterfalls cascade down, forming stunning emerald-blue natural pools (where you can swim). It's simply breathtaking!
How to get from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Falls?
We were 2 couples and chose to take a tuc-tuc for 400 LAK half a day or 000 Euros per person. Thus, we had private transportation for the day. And, icing on the cake, our driver was particularly nice! Here are its coordinates :
M. PHENG Tel: +856 2055299300 (possibility of transport by van)
How to discover Tad Kuang Si?
We went there in the morning to take advantage of the coolness and be able to take a short hike of about 2:30 (there and back) through the primary jungle. We climb from plateau to plateau in order to reach the source of Kuang Si. In fact, at the top, there is the sacred source and the entrance to a cave in which there are some Buddhas.
Tad Sae waterfalls
This site, which looks a bit like Tad Kuang Si, is located about fifteen kilometers south-east of Luang Prabang.
It is a series of terraced waterfalls, the first of which is well designed and, in fact, attracts a lot of tourists and locals. This is why it is better to avoid going there on weekends because it is crowded with people.
How to get from Luang Prabang to Tad Sae Falls?
From Luang Prabang, it takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to the waterfalls. Very pleased with Mr. PHENG's services (+856 2055299300) , we gladly booked him again for private transport by tuk-tuk from 9 am to 15 pm.
How to discover Tad Sae?
You have to take a canoe to get to the entrance to the site and pay LAK 20 (€ 000). We pass next to the elephant sanctuary, a bear reserve and we arrive at the 2st plateau. There, possibility of swimming and catering. Then, off for a 1h1 hike that climbs up to the source and makes a cascade loop (30 upper waterfalls). Very beautiful panoramas!
On the way back, we asked Mr. PHENG to stop us at the whisky village (a tourist trap because it's rice alcohol) and at Ban Xang Khong, a weavers' village (not very interesting except for the 3 pagodas).
Now discover the rest of the circuit with the discovery of a