Day 20: Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

Claire: We still had our scooter till midday today so we got up early to venture to the other waterfalls, Kuang Si Falls. Knowing this was the most popular of the two waterfalls we gathered an early visit would be better to avoid the herds of crowds anyway. Just over an hour drive we arrived very numb bummed!! (but at least I didn't burn my leg again today). 

A bonus prize within our ticket entry was access to the Free The Bears rescue centre which you pass just before the falls. They have a couple of dozen Asiatic black bears which they rescue from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Gav likes to meet fellow bears. Although, these ones were all having a post-breakfast nap!!!

The waters are crystal clear with bright turquoise pools. With it being early and mostly shaded we still had hoodies on so definitely weren't tempted by a swim today!

In usual Gav&Claire style, we thought it was a brilliant idea to trek to the top of the falls even though we knew we had to leave in 20mins to get the bike back in time. My gosh... I can still feel the glutes burn!!! It was incredible seeing the water drop down though from our little rickety bamboo bridge (which I'm sure would never pass a UK health & safety test!).

As we run (!!) down, the sun comes out and we're dripping in sweat. I'm hoping all this sweating means I'm burning off all those noodles. We jump back on the bike to get it back for midday (did I mention we were supposed to be checking out at midday too... and needed to pack?!)

As we check out, we ask reception why there's been a man sleeping outside at night under a mosquito net. Apparently he's security?! What the...?!

The rest of our day was slow. Meandering the town, drinking coffee, and strolling the night market, where I bought some beautiful Laos textiles for the home I don't yet have.

Our new hotel is just around the corner from our previous, booked last minute as we decided to extend out stay in LP for a further 2 nights. We discover this one has a 'security' man sleeping outside at night too!!!!! 

Gav's day 20 takeaway

• These waterfalls are incredible.
• I'm liking these fruit slush/shake type drinks that I'm having.
• Tummy is ok but still not quite right (in case you were wondering).