13.01.2018 Waterfalls and Butterflies

We rent a scooter for 160,000 kip per day through our hostel as we like to explore the city/country individually.

With the scooter, we drive to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. The drive takes just under an hour. The roads are okay. Despite some big and deep potholes, which Chris usually skillfully avoids, we reach the parking lot around 11:00 am, where we are allowed to park the scooter for 2,000 kip.

The entrance fee to the waterfalls is 20,000 kip per person. The path to the waterfalls goes through the 'jungle' and past a bear sanctuary that frees sun bears from captivity and gives them a new home. Donations are very welcome there.

It is best to first climb all the way up to the Erawan Waterfall, which is 60 meters high and very impressive. You can even climb up to the exit of the waterfall, but good footwear is required for that. However, it is also nice to relax next to the waterfall, where there are plenty of benches and tables for picnicking and taking good photos. The clear water flows down over several cascades, and various water pools invite you to swim. Unfortunately, the air temperature is still too cold to venture into the icy water. Changing rooms and toilets are available for free.

After about an hour and a half, we start the return journey and buy two rice cakes as provisions in the small village at the entrance. On the way back to Luang Prabang, we spontaneously decide to make a detour to the Butterfly Park, which is located about 300m below the village of Kuang Si. The park has been around for about four years, and the entrance fee is 40,000 kip per person. The park is easy to navigate, but in the butterfly house, you can see incredibly beautiful and large butterflies. The employee explains the different stages from pupation to the finished butterfly and answers all our questions.

Back in Luang Prabang, our stomachs start grumbling, and we head to the famous Utopia Bar. The bar is located somewhat hidden in Ban Aphay (the street is a dead end, and the bar is the last building) and offers a beautiful view of the Namkan River. It is a real backpacker's Mecca, and making contact with other travelers is quick. We eat a bacon boom burger and end the day with a beer and a view of the river.