Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A full day tour to the Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls. We depart Luang Prabang boat pier in the morning. Floating along the Mekong River, you will be in love with the beautiful landscape in Luang Prabang. Stop by a village "Ban Xang Hai" for tasting unique local rice whisky and rice wine. Afterward, exploring the mystery cave with local tour guide.
Having buffet lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong river. In the afternoon, we take a car to waterfalls and enjoy swimming in the cool water. At 5pm, we leave for the city. Stop by a Hmong village en route. We'll meet Hmong people wearing traditional cloths and see their small Hmong museum. Arrival at the city center or your hotel at 6:00.
There is an option visiting waterfalls in the morning and Caves and Sunset Boat Cruise in the afternoon. This is the same experience except the morning and afternoon itineraries are swapped.
Available options
Joint tour (Morning Cruise)
Small group tour (6-15 people): This is a joint tour, so please assume that pick-up or end times may be delayed by 30 minutes due to unforeseen circumstances<br/>Duration: 9 hours: Pickup at 8:15-45. End at 17:30 - 18:00. More specific pick-up time will be provided after booking<br/>Buffet Lunch, Drinking Water<br/>Route: Morning: 3 hour Mekong Cruise / Pak Ou Caves, Afternoon: Kuang Si Waterfalls<br/>Minivan, Longtail Slow Boat<br/>Pickup included
Private tour (morning cruise)
Route: [Morning] Whisky village -> Pak Ou Caves -> Elephant Camp Restaurant (lunch) [Afternoon] Kuang Si Falls -> Hmong Village <br/>Pickup included
Private tour (sunset cruise)
Buffet Lunch, Drinking Water<br/>Route: [Morning] Kuang Si Falls -> Hmong Village [Afternoon] Elephant Camp Restaurant (lunch) -> Pak Ou Caves -> Whisky village <br/>Private Minivan and Boat <br/>Pickup included
Joint tour (Sunset Cruise)
Small group tour (6-15 people)<br/>Duration: 9 hours: Pickup at 8:30-9:00. End at 17:30 - 18:00.<br/>Buffet Lunch, Drinking Water<br/>Route: Morning: Kuang Si Waterfalls, Afternoon: Pak Ou Caves, 2.5 hour Mekong Sunset Cruise<br/>Minivan, Longtail Slow Boat<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Buffet-style lunch (Chicken and fish. 4-5 vegetarian options available)
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
A unique little village on the banks of the Mekong River. Ban Xang Hai, is also known as whisky village, is famous for their handicraft products like distilling and selling whisky, hand woven fabric and jewelry.
2
Stop 2
These two caves are located some 25km from Luang Prabang where the Nam Ou River flows into the Meking. The journey on a slow moving longboat to caves is decidedly picturesque. Motoring upriver you can see locals fishing and listen to the joyful laugher of children splashing in the water. The caves are revered throughout Laos and a very popular place for tourists and pilgrimsalike. There are some 4000 statyes abd statyettes in the caves, mostly of the Buddha, many stukk covered with paper thin gilding. The first cave is reached by a steep staircase from the river’s edge, while the second cave is a little deeper inside the mountain: bring a torchilight!
3
Stop 3
The Kuang Si Falls, sometimes spelled Kuang Xi or known as Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, is a three levelled waterfall about 29 kilometres (18 mi) south of Luang Prabang.
Upon reaching falls, relax and enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings. The water tumbles down and cascades gently into several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. The adventurous may walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views are awaiting them. Kuang Si Waterfalls also is a place where a rescue center for protecting sunbears, the endangered species, is located.
4
On the way back from the waterfall, we visit a Hmong village. We walk through the village and stop at a small museum built by the villagers. We learn from the villagers dressed in traditional costumes about their original highland life.
What's not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Soda/Pop
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
262 reviews
5★
228
4★
23
3★
6
2★
3
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
1,410 reviews
5★
1283
4★
101
3★
15
2★
2
1★
9
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is not hard at all. But it's about 10 hours full day excursion including a long distance drive (60km). If old people and infants are in your group, please consider to choose 2 days split option or private option
Important notes
Please be sure to check our messages on Viator, where we will confirm your booking and provide you with important information such as pick-up time. If you need to contact us, please send us a message through Viator. We are divided into different departments, so we may not be able to respond appropriately if you contact us through other channels.
About Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Laos architecture and serene natural beauty. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it offers a unique blend of historic temples, French colonial buildings, and lush landscapes.
Top Attractions
Wat Xieng Thong
One of the most important temples in Laos, known for its beautiful architecture and intricate mosaics.
Religious
1-2 hours
5 USD
Mount Phousi
A small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Nature
1-2 hours
5 USD
Kuang Si Falls
A stunning series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Nature
Half day
10 USD
Must-Try Local Dishes
Larb
A spicy minced meat salad with herbs, spices, and lime juice.
Main Dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu.
Tam Mak Hoong
Green papaya salad with tomatoes, chilies, and lime juice.
Main Dish
Vegetarian if made without fish sauce.
Khao Soi
A Northern Lao noodle dish with a coconut curry broth.
Main Dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding mountains
Kayaking on the Mekong River
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Sunset watching at Mount Phousi
Attending a traditional Lao dance performance
Participating in a cooking class
Swimming at Kuang Si Falls
Boat tours on the Mekong River
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This is the cool and dry season, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The weather is pleasant, and it's the peak tourist season.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Lao
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK)
Time Zone
Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Luang Prabang is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Luang Prabang International Airport • 3 km from city center
By bus
Northern Bus Station, Southern Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The most common and affordable mode of transport. Negotiate fares before starting your journey.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Limited app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Ban Phou Khoune
Day trips
Pak Ou Caves
25 km north of Luang Prabang • Half day
A complex of caves filled with thousands of Buddha images, dating back to the 16th century.
Living Land Farm
15 km from Luang Prabang • Half day
A working farm offering insights into traditional Lao farming practices and sustainable agriculture.
Festivals
Lao New Year (Pi Mai) • April 13-15
Boun Ok Phansa • October (date varies)
Pro tips
- Visit Kuang Si Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool weather.
- Attend the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) for a unique cultural experience, but be respectful and follow the rules.
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and local life.
- Try local Lao coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the many cafes in town.
- Bargain politely when shopping at markets, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
