Kuang Si Falls, Laos - Unique Places Around The World
Kuang Si waterfalls is a popular tourist destination in the Luang Prabang area in Laos, South East Asia. The beautiful scenery in the fall guarantees a fairytale experience for all its visitors. The waterfall is the highlight of the Luang Prabang area; it is a site not to be missed by anyone visiting.
Description
Kuang Si Falls are located eighteen miles south of Luang Prabang in Laos. The Kuang Si Falls, also called the Tat Kuang Si waterfalls are the largest in the Luang Prabang area. Kuang Si consists of shallow pools at the top of the hillside. Further down, the pools merge to form a fall with a 200 foot drop.
Habitat
The area around the Kuang Si Falls is covered with rain forests that are recognized globally for the richness in birds. In the falls, tropical vegetation covers the land making it a beautiful green jungle.
Uniqueness
After flowing through a limestone-rich jungle, the giant Kuang Si waterfall empties out into three gently cascading pools. A walk from the lowest pool up is heavenly, with spectacular sites of water flowing over white limestone rocks before gathering into aquamarine pools. The surrounding is a tropical jungle made up of lush green trees that seem to allow in just the right amount of light. The waterfall, with its water cascading in a mighty torrent sound, is an intensely majestic site to watch.
Tourism
The Kuang Si Falls is a popular tourist destination for locals and visitors alike. The journey to the waterfall gives tourists a great view of the rice field as well as a great chance to meet the locals in the area. One of the best places to stop along the way is Hmong village. Here, older females still dress in local costume. Tourists can also buy some hand-woven crafts to add to their souvenir collection in exchange for an opportunity to take photos in the village. The cool weather at the waterfall provides a much-needed escape from the heat. The lower levels of the falls offer an excellent venue for a day out with the kids or for a picnic. There are slippery trails that lead to the top of the fall. The climb is tricky, but the view of the valleys below is worth the effort. However, children and frail people should refrain from going to the higher levels. Visitors can reach the Kuang Si waterfalls by hiring a motorcycle. Although an excellent way to enjoy the villages' beauty en-route, the rocky terrain may prove hard to go on for riders. Easier alternatives include hiring a tuk-tuk, booking a tour, or using one of the many mini-buses at the Naluang minibus station. Some people prefer to travel down the Mekong River by boat and then board another boat to the falls. Tourists are required to pay a small admission fee used to maintain the bridges and walkways.
Threats
Kuang Si waterfall is home to a unique and endangered species of bear, the Asiatic black bear. Also known as moon bears, these animals face the danger of extinction due to the belief that they are source of medicine in China. The bear products trade is worth $2 billion, but studies have not shown any medicinal properties in bear bile. It is also believed the bear bile can be prescribed for cancer patients and it is commonly used to alleviate hangovers. Most bath products also contain the bile juice from these unique bears. A sanctuary constructed in the Kuang Si falls rescues the bears and protects them from poachers. There are about twenty-three bears in the sanctuary.
