"Explore the Luang Prabang countryside with visits to beautiful waterfalls and ethnic minority villages. Gain valuable insight in to the unique cultures and traditions of Laos' hilltribe people, swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si waterfalls, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the tranquil surroundings. This day out is a perfect way to experience rural Laos." ~ Exo Travel

We dragged ourselves away from the charming town of Luang Prabang...

for a journey twenty miles south...

through the Laos countryside...

with hopes of a brisk swim in the Kuang Si waterfalls.

With pockets filled with lollipops...

we made a quick stop at one of the ethnic villages...

where the girls captured our hearts

 with their impressive entrepreneurial skills.

Arriving at the falls...

we found plenty of opportunities

to purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy inside...

like these 'fish sticks'!!!

Our sandwiches were seeming quite boring at this point.

****Time out for a special notice of this creative recycling center!****

As we walked along the path,

we could hear the promise of the falls...

and then this happened.

Don't be alarmed...

we encountered bears.

Supposedly,

these Asiatic Bears are safer inside the fence 

where they are protected from being killed by poachers on the outside.

Great promotion for Free the Bears.

Meanwhile,

the three tiered falls await... 

in all of their grandeur.

Apparently,

it was pruning day.

As we continued to walk up,

we reached a point...

where I gazed up...

and stopped to ponder.

Needless to say,

Ren Man accepted the challenge...

and ventured 'straight on',

 for a photo of the 200 ft cascade below.

He would like me to tell you he dove down to this point,

however that would be a huge lie.

He left his superhero cape at home!

After a dip in the cold but refreshing water...

(please excuse the climbing photo bomber)

we found a spot to enjoy our picnic lunch.

Well worth a day trip while visiting Luang Prabang.