5 August - Kuang Si Falls and City, Luang Prabang (Laos)

Seamus, Derrick and myself went early to the Kaung Si Falls which was about 30 kilometres outside Luang Prabang. The journey was mainly through lush green forests, rice paddies and past fish farms, which most villages seemed to have even though there was plenty of fishermen on the river. The falls begin in shallow pools on top of a steep hillside. The pools lead to the main fall with a 50 metre cascade. The water collects in numerous pools as it flows downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls. The water was not too cold, not that I went swimming, but at the top of the falls it was nearly waist deep when I walked into the muddle to take photographs looking over the falls. Being scared of heights it was quite an accomplishment as far as I was concerned. The climb up to the top was very difficult as the steep muddy ground was wet so slipping and sliding was the norm. That was going up as coming down I had to take off my boots as it was impossible to keep from slipping with them on.


Butterflies at the Falls

   

Stalls at the falls

A very relaxed and contented bear

A rescue bear

Photographs of the Falls

Then the walk up, and it was 'Up' to the top!


The path up

The actual top of the Falls. It doesn't really look like much.

The foam of the water can be seen as it falls over the crest and the pool below is a brilliant blue colour

The old man of the forest said someone who asked if they could take my photograph on the way up the slope

The night market is held every evening in part of the high street which is closed off to traffic. There are hundreds of stalls selling food, clothing, paintings, carvings and perhaps just about anything you could imagine in a market.



      



                                                               
Old cars seen on the street

A temple decoration

The National Museum

Temple decorations

The main temple building

I do like these nagas

The doors to the Wat