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Kuang Si Falls & Pak Ou CavesView all 5 photos
9 hoursLuang PrabangDay Tours

Kuang Si Falls & Pak Ou Caves

Three pools, two trails, one guide who knows when the buses arrive and how to be there an hour before.

9 hours·Max 6 travelers·Lao · English · French·Licensed guide
Bounmy Vongphachanh
Bounmy Vongphachanh
Licensed since 2014

I'll show you the part of Luang Prabang that doesn't fit on a postcard.

What you'll do

What's on this trip.

  • Leave Luang Prabang at 8:00 AM, arriving Kuang Si before the tour buses (typically 10:30 AM)
  • Walk the lower pools first — swim if you want; towels and changing area available
  • Trail to the upper falls — 45 minutes, easy grade, well-maintained
  • Lunch at a riverside village restaurant Bounmy's family has eaten at for 20 years
  • Bear rescue center stop on the return (optional, free entry)
  • Back in Luang Prabang by 3:00 PM — afternoon free for your own pace

About this tour

In Bounmy's words.

A long, unhurried day across the two landmarks every first-time visitor to Luang Prabang asks about — but arranged so you avoid the coach crowds. Morning at Pak Ou Caves by slow boat up the Mekong; lunch at a family-run noodle stop in Ban Pak Ou; the afternoon swimming at the upper pools of Kuang Si before the afternoon coaches roll in.

What's included

Everything in the price.

Included

  • Bounmy as your licensed Lao guide
  • Private van transport (Luang Prabang round-trip)
  • All entrance fees (Kuang Si: 25,000 LAK)
  • Bottled water throughout the day
  • Riverside village lunch (vegetarian option)
  • Bear rescue center entry (optional stop)

Not included

  • ×Personal travel insurance
  • ×Tips for the guide (10–15% appreciated, not required)
  • ×Additional food or drinks beyond lunch
  • ×Hotel pickup outside central Luang Prabang

Where you meet Bounmy

Meeting point and logistics.

Meeting Point
Big Brother Mouse, corner of Sisavangvong & Th Visounnarath, central Luang Prabang.
Pickup Window
7:50 to 8:00 AM
What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water shoes if you have them, USD 10–15 or LAK equivalent for incidentals.
What to Wear
Quick-dry clothes, comfortable shoes (the upper trail can be muddy after rain).
Outside center?
If you're staying outside central Luang Prabang, message Bounmy on WhatsApp at booking and he'll arrange hotel pickup for a small fee.

About your guide

Bounmy.

Bounmy Vongphachanh
Bounmy Vongphachanh
Licensed Lao National Tour Guide · Luang Prabang

Bounmy was born in Ban Xieng Lek, a small village 12 kilometers from Luang Prabang. He started guiding informally in 2011, became fully licensed in 2014, and has led over 800 tours through Luang Prabang Province.

Specialties: Cultural sites, waterfalls, photography spots, family tours.

Tour philosophy: Show fewer places, but show them properly.

LaoEnglishFrench

Reviews · Coming soon

We launched in 2026.

Honest about what we don't have yet.

We don't have hundreds of reviews on this tour yet. We will. In the meantime: Bounmy is a licensed Lao National Tour Guide. License number, training records, and references are available on request.

Message Bounmy

Common questions

Before you book.

Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, kids 5+ usually do well. The lower pools are easy to swim in. The upper trail is manageable for most children with reasonable energy. Bounmy adjusts pace based on the group. If you have very young kids (under 5), let us know — we may suggest a different schedule.
What if it rains?
Light rain doesn't cancel the tour — the pools are even more atmospheric in a drizzle. Heavy rain (which mostly happens May–October afternoons) means we reschedule, or you get a full refund. Bounmy makes the call by 7 AM on the day, based on the forecast.
Can I do just the lower pools and skip the upper trail?
Yes. The trail is optional. Many travelers spend their time at the lower pools and use the saved time for a slower lunch or an extra coffee in the village. Tell Bounmy what you want; he'll adjust.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for lunch?
Yes. The village restaurant has vegetarian dishes (vegetable laap, sticky rice, tofu, papaya salad). Vegan is possible with notice — let us know at booking so the kitchen prepares.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
Most restrictions, yes — gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, no-pork, no-beef. Severe nut allergies require advance notice so the restaurant can avoid cross-contamination. Mention it in the booking notes; we brief Bounmy ahead of time.
What's the latest I can book?
Same-day bookings work if Bounmy has availability and your hotel is in central Luang Prabang. WhatsApp us by 9 PM the night before for an early-morning departure, or call by 7 AM for a 10 AM start.
Can I bring my own car instead of using the van?
Yes. The price drops to USD 32 per person if you provide your own transport. We confirm with Bounmy at booking. Most travelers prefer the van — parking at Kuang Si gets tight by 11 AM.

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