Laos and Travel
Limestone-Like Natural Pools And A Spectacular Cascade
Be in this moment
There are some tourist attractions throughout the world that everyone has to observe once in their lifetime.
I considered writing a travelogue regarding Luang Prabang’s attraction and to include the Kuang Si Waterfall but quickly realized this spectacular cascade earned its own spot in the World Traveler’s Blog.
The Kuang Si Waterfall (also spelled Kuang Xi) in Luang Prabang (Northern Laos) is one of the places where the hype certainly justifies the voyage and effort.
Katharina (Kat) and I haven’t seen anything like this in Laos …wait..even South East Asia in more than four months!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain
Once we entered the area we already felt the magic surrounding this place.
After just a few meters we were surrounded by limestone-like natural pools filled with turquoise paled water among the dense flourishing rainforest scenery.
For us, it felt like walking through a fairytale location. We struggled to not take pictures because of the pure beauty of the scene and our modern habit to capture the location on camera rather than experiencing the moment.
Be In The Present Moment
Kat and I work really hard to travel mindful and attentive and leave the smartphone in our pockets as much as possible. We try to remember the fact that we only travel for us, not for others. Honestly, how much time do we all spend taking photographs and how much to view them later?
“Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” — Sonia Ricotti
We came early, before 9 o’clock, and quickly made our way to the main waterfall, just before the crowds flooded the area with selfie sticks. This left us some moments almost alone, just observing the phenomenal natural spectacle. The waterfall is a total of 50 meters high and spreads its pale turquoise water over many levels before falling elegantly into the pool.
We were the first on that day to climb up the waterfall all the way to the top where we took a short bamboo raft ride to the origin of the cascade. At the peak, we enjoyed the outlook over the whole region. We saw people getting ready for the pools in the public changing rooms, families setting up a picnic, and tour guides busy trying to keep the groups together.
We were present at this moment. Kat and me. We love to travel. together.
“To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Disclaimer: Kat and I took all the photographs shown to you in this story by ourselves🙋♀️🙋♂️
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