Hiking in Luang Prabang

The Tat Sae Waterfalls popular as the Tad Sae Waterfalls are those waterfalls situated along the tributary of River Nam Khan in Luang Prabang, Laos about 18 kilometers southeast of Luang Prabang and 2 kilometers from village Bak En. The falls flow over the limestone formations among trees. Takes about an hour to reach by a tuk tuk or a shared minivan and a fee of 10,000 kip (or $1.25) is charged for a round boat trip to the fall from riverbank. The rainy season has always been marked as the ideal time for a visit to the falls; as December to July stays dry. The limestone cascades have always been a sight worth seeing. A number of pools wait the dry feet. Picnicking is a popular pastime at these falls. Elephants are often hired for a joyride. . Elephant tour operators offer this option as the last leg of the trip, however in the dry seasons they skip it.

The forests near Kuang Si Waterfall have attracted butterflies. The Kuang Si Butterfly Park offers visitors the opportunity of appreciating them up close while you’re at the falls or at the bear sanctuary. Following the path from the entrance, through well-designed gardens, one comes across the pretty streams and eventually reaches the netted garden with beautiful and interesting butterflies. Several feeder stations are set up where fluttery insects allow a close-up and keep flocking. A fun “fish spa” has been set up to let the fishes nip on the skin. It’s worth a visit if one has been looking for something to do with the children and it also helps to escape the maddening crowds. It takes about 300 meters before entering Kuang Si Waterfalls, nearly 29km from the Luang Prabang. This butterfly park opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

For years, this path was hidden from the public but is open again to let the world witness the beauty of the natural jungle and waterfalls. The waterfalls usually are spring fed, as are many of the falls in this area, which naturally reduce to a trickle as the dry season comes to an end - but Tad Thong is more impressive and known for a Jungle walk, so the waterfalls are sort of a bonus, as claims tourists and not the primary reason for a visit.Tad Thong gives an opportunity of taking a short but vigorous hike through the jungles, and a spring-fed pool to a place entirely to oneself. The Tad Thong has always been a place of must visit as it is a quiet spot ideal for a long, nice nature walk with butterflies and beautiful falls and only a few tourists with friendly locals.