Take in the beauty of the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls and her neighbouring treasures: Free the Bears & Butterfly Park.

Start the day with a short cruise to the largest and most breathtaking of Luang Prabang’s waterfalls, Tad Kuang Si. Boasting an impressive three tiers, the falls culminate in a sensational 50-metre cascade before spilling into a series of mesmerising mineral-rich turquoise pools. Pathways lead through the forest alongside these pools toward a charming wooden bridge where the falls can be enjoyed in all their splendour.

The water in Kuang Si’s shallow pools remains cool throughout the year and is therefore, a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists alike, especially in the summer months when escaping the heat becomes a priority. Kuang Si also plays host to the Free the Bears Rescue Centre and Kuang Si Butterfly Park. Located at the entrance to the falls, guests pass by Free the Bears sanctuary which provides a home to over 20 Asiatic Black Bears that were confiscated from poachers intent on selling them to bile-harvesting farms beyond Laos’ borders. Each of the large enclosures have viewing platforms where one can watch the bears as they eat, snooze and fool around – a truly heart warming sight. Then, just 300 metres from the entrance to the falls is one of Luang Prabang province’s newest eco-attractions, Kuang Si Butterfly Park. The butterfly park aims to raise awareness about the vulnerability of Laos’ ecosystem and educate locals about the values of preservation. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the landscaped rock gardens, swim in its own limestone pools, or take a guided tour to learn about the many varieties of butterflies and tropical plants that are on display. After a six-hour visit in these magical places, cruise back to Luang Prabang.

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