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Though the height of the waterfall is not much, the sheer volume of the water makes up for it. The water descends like a silver veil and its spray can be felt even some distance away. A demonstration water mill that grinds corn is located at the lower level. One needs to buy an entry ticket to enter the national park in which the waterfall is located. The tranquil atmosphere is broken only by the sound of the thundering waterfall. The mountain stream joins the mighty Mekong River downstream. Wildlife conservation There are areas in the forest near the waterfalls earmarked for tiger and bear conservation projects where poached animals are recovered and cared for. Phet is the name of a female tiger belonging to the India-China species of tigers that was rescued when she was a few weeks old. At present this lone tiger is about seven years old and has been put up in a separate enclosure, Tiger Rescue Centre, where it is looked after tenderly by the park staff with donations from the general public. Unfortunately, her two siblings didn’t survive when their mother was killed by a poacher looking for skin, bones and other tiger parts that are in demand in Laos as well as mainland China. Phet has stripes, which are less prominent than those on the Royal Bengal Tiger and has a smaller build. The conservation project is due to the efforts of Care for the Wild International, based in the UK. Nearby is the Bear Rescue Centre that houses eight bears, of different ages, rescued from time to time from poachers. They are placed in their natural habitat with provisions for shade, water, play and rest areas. They appeared to be contended and carrying on their normal activities without interference from anyone. This project is due to
the untiring efforts of an organisation, Free the Bears Fund Inc. This
organisation, with the collaboration of Laos policemen was able to
confiscate the bears captured illegally by the poachers. A comments /
suggestion box as well as donation box are placed near the entrance to
make the visitors aware of the work being done by the NGO. They
request donations from visitors and the public to maintain the bears
as well as rescue more wild bears held in captivity.
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A
half-day trip through forests, dangerous bridges and small tribal
villages to the waterfall at Kuang Si is interesting. The waterfall is
29 km from the town of Luang Prabang, Laos. Water from a mountain
stream splashes down limestone formations into a series of cool,
turquoise-green pools. The limestone cave at the base of the waterfall
is a risky attraction that involves a tough trek down the slopes,
crossing water pools and slippery rocks. The water downstream collects
in a few pools before it disappears into the forest.