A Day at Kuang Si Falls and Laos Buffalo Dairy
We spent our first day in Luang Prabang on a motorbike exploring the outskirts of Luang Prabang, including Kuang Si Falls, Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, and the Laos Buffalo Dairy
Our adventure started upon our arrival to our hotel in Luang Prabang, My Dream Boutique Resort. We had read on another blog about various ways to get to Kuang Si Falls and decided we were up for the challenge (and risk!) of renting a motorbike.
We inquired about rental companies, and the front desk informed us they could have motorbikes delivered to the hotel whenever we needed them. So the next morning we went outside and our motorbike was awaiting us in the driveway. After a bit of paperwork, we were off!
The drive from our hotel to the falls took about one hour. The most hectic part was getting out of town– but after that there was little traffic and quickly became the countryside with rolling hills.
As we approached the falls, there were roadside vendors, restaurants, and parking lots. We chose to pay a small fee for a parking space, due to nightmare stories of motorbike theft in Laos.
Upon entry (about $2.50), you see the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center, where Sun Bears and Moon Bears (*heart melting*) have been saved from poachers. When we arrived they were busily eating, climbing, and swinging about. You can read more about their stories here
The walk to the falls is very easy, we were wearing water shoes but could be done in flip flops. There are numerous pools for swimming but some of them are sacred and there are signs that indicate where you should not swim. 
We chose to continue past the waterfalls for a bit of exercise. You can hike to some view points up above the waterfalls- it does become fairly steep at that point and can be slippery where its wet.
Once you reach the top, there are options to continue on to some caves a few kilometers away. We initially started the walk to the caves but it seemed to be a relatively flat, boring walk so we turned back to go swimming.
We spent about 30-40 minutes playing in the waterfalls before leaving because we were famished. We purchased what tasted like a delicious sausage from one of the roadside vendors but I promptly dropped in on the ground and into the mouths of several hungry dogs. This wasn’t a big deal, however, because we had already made plans to head to the Laos Buffalo Dairy.
As you head back towards Luang Prabang, about 10-15 minutes down the road on the right-hand side, there is a road side stand advertising ice cream- this is the Laos Buffalo Dairy!
At the time of our visit (November 2017), they had not yet opened for regular tours, however I had previously reached out to Rachel O’Shea, general manager, via email. I essentially explained that I love cheese, so she told us to stop in for a quick tour when we were in the area. I had no idea this
would end up being one of the highlights of our trip!
First, we had to put on jumpsuits and boots because they do not want anyone introducing bacteria or viruses to the water buffalo.
Then Rachel led us into the holding areas that were filled with water buffalo! Easily the cutest part were the numerous babies peaking their heads out from their stalls. Rachel told us about their operation and the various tours they planned to offer.
After our tour of the animals, we headed inside the kitchen to try the coveted buffalo cheese. We tasted their mozzarella and feta (delicious!) before heading outside to get some ice cream (Black Sesame or Pandan flavored, anyone?) After a farewell, we hopped back on our bike to head home- the entire way, I was incessantly chatting in Garan’s ear about how we are going to open a buffalo dairy farm some day.
It was such a wonderful (albeit, tiring) day in Luang Prabang. If you have been to Kuang Si Falls or the Laos Buffalo Dairy, please tell me about your experience!
